A process for treating a solid-liquid mixture by cavitation to decompose at least
some contaminant associated with the solid particles, the contaminant either being
absorbed into the pores of the solid or onto the surface of the solid particles.
The process includes the step of subjecting the mixture to cavitation such that
a portion of the contaminant is chemically decomposed. Typically the chemical decomposition
occurs at the surface of the solid particle. Typically the cavitation process is
an ultrasonic treatment step, although other cavitation processes are applicable,
for example high shear mixing. The cavitation effect is capable of achieving physico-chemical
changes at the particle surfaces. The localized high temperatures on bubble collapse
(as high as 5000K) can decompose contaminant substances such as PCB and other hazardous
materials including polybrominated biphenyl PBB), organochloride and organophosphate
compounds, pesticides and the like.
