Abstract Environmental sonochemistry,as an advanced oxidation process,involves the application of ultrasound to induce cavitation to destroy or accelerate the destruction of liquid-phase contaminants.This paper introduces the principle of environmental sonochemistry,including ultrasonic cavitation theory,mechanism of the ultrasonic degradation of contaminants and the generation of reactive radicals during sonolysis.Moreover,it reviews the progress in treatment of pollutants by using environmental sonochemistry in recent years.In addition,existing problems and future study directions are discussed.