and sonicat with the Ultrasonic Processor and probe system described earlier for 5, 10 and 15 min at 130 W or 210 W power setting. The tip of the probe (2.5 cm diameter) was placed 5 cm into the treatment solution during each treatment with a magnetic stir bar operating at 100 rpm being used to agitate the solution. At the end of the designated treatment period, the treatment solution was completely drained from the beaker