Sonolytic Destruction of Methyl tert-Butyl Ether by Ultrasonic Irradiation: The Role of O3, H2O2, Frequency, and Power Density

The kinetics of degradation of methyl tert -butyl ether (MTBE) by ultrasonic irradiation in the presence of ozone as functions of applied frequencies and applied power are investigated. Experiments are performed over the frequency range of 205−1078 kHz. The higher overall reaction rates are observed at 358 and 618 kHz and then at 205 and 1078 kHz. The observed pseudo-first-order rate constant, k 0, for MTBE degradation increases with increasing power density up to 250 W L - 1 . A linear dependence of the first-order rate constant, k O 3, for the simultaneous degradation of O 3 on power density is also observed. Naturally occurring organic matter (NOM) is shown to have a negligible effect on observed reaction rates.