Phenol and its derivatives (phenols or phenolic compounds) are moderately water-soluble pollutants common in wastewater of various industries, including oil and gas, paint production, phenolic resin production, paper and pulp mills, and pharmaceutical industries.
Phenolic compounds are used in disinfectants in low concentrations, and phenol is also found in many alcoholic beverages, drugs, and cosmetics.
Excess phenolic compounds are harmful to human health and the environment. Chlorophenols, which are by-products of chlorination of water containing phenol, are carcinogenic.
Major phenol processing processes (available treatment options) are: biodegradation, membrane separation, distillation/evaporation, adsorption and extraction, and chemical oxidation.
Recent advances in membrane separation technology are helping to optimize the treatment of wastewater contaminated with phenolic compounds, making options for zero liquid discharge or minimal liquid discharge more cost-effective.
In short, phenolic compounds are extremely toxic to humans, animals and aquatic life. Phenolic compounds are recognized as priority water pollutants by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US and the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) in Canada. Strict discharge limits have been set by many organizations for phenols (typically below 0.5 mg/L).
Phenolic compounds consist of an aromatic hydrocarbon group attached to a hydroxyl group. Phenols are generally moderately soluble in water, smaller phenol molecules may be volatile. Phenols occur naturally in small, relatively harmless concentrations. It is also synthesized on an industrial scale in disinfectants, medical products and the manufacture of many polymers, resins and rubbers for the plywood, rubber, construction, automotive and appliance industries. It is found in small amounts in alcoholic beverages, medicines, and cosmetics.
There are many technologies for the treatment of phenol-laden wastewater. Some of these are destructive, some allow phenols to be recovered for potential reuse. The use of different processes varies depending on water chemistry, scale, treatment requirements and other operating conditions.
Our organization also provides phenol index analysis services with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.
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