Deterioration of tertiary butylcatacol in aqueous solutions using combined sonolysis and ozone

The degradation of tertiary butylcatacol (TBC) was investigated by ozone, sonolysis and combination of of both in the aqueous phase. The highest degradation was attained with the combined use of ozone and sonolysis. Operation parameters such as pH, initial concentration of TBC, ultrasonic energy density, ozone and catalyst dosage were optimized with regard to the efficiency of TBC removal. During the reaction the concentration of TBC was detected by spectrophotometer. The ozone dosage was found to have a noticeable impact on the process; however initial pH dosage was less effective. The results demonstrated the fact that the US/O3 process was very effective method for degradation of TBC in aqueous solutions.