Ferro-cavitation processes for target metal separation

A process for upgrading bitumen, said process comprising:

• applying acoustic cavitation to the bitumen;
• adding a ligand to the bitumen;
• wherein the ligand is 2-(aminomethyl)pyridine:
• and
• adding an iron (II) salt, or a precursor form thereof, to the bitumen and allowing Fenton oxidation reaction to occur between the iron and hydrogen peroxide in the bitumen, thereby producing hydroxyl radicals.

A process for removal of an organic contaminant from a liquid sample, said process comprising:

• applying acoustic cavitation to the liquid sample;
• adding a liqand for the organic contaminant to the liquid sample;
• wherein the liqand is 2-(aminomethyl)pyridine:
• and
• adding an iron (II) salt, or a precursor form thereof, to the liquid sample and allowing Fenton oxidation reaction to occur between the iron and hydrogen peroxide in the liquid sample, thereby producing hydroxyl radicals.