This paper attempts to investigate the mechanistic issues of two hybrid advanced oxidation processes (HAOPs), viz. sonocatalysis and sonophotocatalysis, in which the two individual AOPs, viz. sonolysis and photocatalysis, are combined. Three photocatalysts, viz. pure ZnO and Fe-doped ZnO (with two protocols) have been employed. Fe-doped ZnO catalyst has been characterized using standard techniques. Decolorization of two textile dyes has been used as the model reaction. With experiments that alter the characteristics of ultrasound and cavitation phenomena in the medium, the exact synergy between the two AOPs has been determined using a quantitative yard stick. The results revealed a negative synergy between the two AOPs, which is an almost consistent result for decolorization of both dyes using all three photocatalysts. Fe-doping of ZnO catalyst helps in generation of more OH radicals that could augment decolorization. However, these radical mainly react with dye molecules adsorbed on catalyst surface. Intense shock waves generated by cavitation bubbles cause desorption of dye molecules from catalyst surface and reduce the probability of dye-radical interaction, thus reducing the net utility of photochemically generated OH radicals towards dye decolorization. This is rationale underlying the negative synergy between sonolysis and photocatalysis. Fe-doped ZnO catalyst increases the extent of decolorization, but the synergy between the two individual AOPs remains unaltered with doping.

Persulfate-based oxidation of recalcitrant pollutants has been investigated as an alternative to OH radical based advanced oxidation processes due to distinct merits such as greater stability and non-selective persistent reactivity of SO₄^- oxidant species. The present study has attempted to highlight mechanistic features of persulfate-based decolorization of textile dye (Azorubine) using sono-hybrid techniques of activation. Three activation techniques, viz. sonolysis, Fe²⁺ ions and UVC light and combinations thereof, have been examined. UVC is revealed to be the most efficient decolorization technique. The mechanism of sonolysis (i.e. thermal activation of persulfate in the bubble-bulk interfacial region) is revealed to be almost independent of the mechanism of UVC. Fe²⁺ activation is revealed to have an adverse interaction with UVC due to scavenging of sulfate radicals by Fe²⁺ ions. The best hybrid activation technique for persulfate-based degradation and mineralization of Azorubine is UVC+ultrasound. Due to independent mechanisms, degradation and mineralization of the dye obtained with simultaneous application of UVC and ultrasound is nearly equal to the sum of degradation and mineralization obtained using individual techniques.