Enhanced remediation of a real HCH-polluted soil by the synergetic alkaline and ultrasonic activation of persulfate

The desorption of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) and limited mass transfer in soil systems is a significant challenge for efficient remediation by oxidation treatments. utilization sonochemistry promising technology to enhance the decontamination HOCs-polluted soils. In this work, ultrasound (US) was coupled NaOH activating persulfate (PS) real polluted with hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) (?HCHs = 404 mg kg?1). Batch experiments (mass aqueous/soil ratio, VL/WS 2) were performed evaluate effect US on HOCs oxidation. Moreover, influence power (0–245 W, corresponding 0–91 W L-1 density) initial oxidant concentration (CPS 10–60 g L-1) pollutants abatement, dechlorination degree, consumption have been studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images verified that facilitates breakdown aggregates, enhancing trichlorobenzenes (TCBs) (generated from HCHs alkaline hydrolysis) soil. their subsequent favouring because higher radical species concentrations temperature rise. An increase up 165 accelerates production rate radicals, improving pollutants’ degradation. difference between pollutant decreases increasing power, associated lower intermediate chlorinated compounds. same way, plays fundamental role treatment. At selected operating conditions 60 L-1, NaOH/PS 2, W), degradation 0.94 0.74, respectively, achieved just 3 h reaction time.