Use of Low-Frequency Sonication for the Production of Biodegradable Dissolved Organic Carbon in Water

Low-frequency sonication (20 kHz) was used to increase biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC) in tap water, which received only chlorination, fluoridation, and pH adjustment for treatment. Effects of sonication time, power, and reactor temperature on the BDOC formation were investigated. When the water samples were sonicated, BDOC increases up to 2.38 mg/L were observed. BDOC did not necessarily increase with time of sonication, and the power and time of sonication as well as the characteristics of the samples influenced BDOC production. Results further indicated that the reactor temperature did not affect the BDOC formation. Maximum BDOC formation was obtained at the sonication time of 10 and 30 min. The power of 275 watts was optimal. Data presented in this study are preliminary and more investigations on the optimization of sonication for BDOC enhancement are recommended for future work.