Abstract
In recent years, the pollutants that are refractory to treat by conventional biological, physical, and chemical methods together with the stricter restrictions imposed by new legislation have caused many researchers to look for alternative treatment processes. In addition, there is uncertainty regarding the formation of toxic by products following conventional chemical oxidation. Halogenated hydrocarbons (HHCs), which are priority chemicals, have been used extensively in a number of industrial processes. However, it was discovered that many of these halogenated hydrocarbons are carcinogens and have serious negative impact on the eco system. Ionic liquids (ILs), a new class of solvents have many favorable characteristics, e.g. low vapor pressure, non-flammability, ability to dissolve polar and non-polar compounds, and thermal stability. In this chapter, the use of ILs in the treatment of water contaminated with halogenated hydrocarbons pollutants is presented.