Advanced Treatments for the Removal of Alkylphenols and Alkylphenol Polyethoxylates from Wastewater

Abstract

Since the 2000s, among organic contaminants, alkylphenols and alkylphenol polyethoxylates have been listed as hazardous substances by several national, European and international agencies because they are considered endocrine disruptors. Among the molecules classified as priority substances in terms for monitoring and action, nonylphenols and octylphenols and their polyethoxylated derivatives receive particular attention, especially in developing countries. Effluents from treatments plants are considered to be the largest source of alkylphenols in the environment. Although legislation concerning their use has become increasingly strict, these substances are still found in the environment, especially in water resources.The existing water and wastewater treatment plants have not been designated for these emerging contaminants. Conventional treatments such as biodegradation, sand filtration, carbon adsorption and/or chemical oxidation in place are not effective in their elimination removal. No appropriate methods have been developed to deal them at the urban or industrial scale. Thus, alkylphenols have become a relevant research topic for scientists interested in water engineering issues related to

Innovative technologies to remove alkylphenols from wastewater: a review

“…This review presents proposed advanced technologies for alkylphenol removal including adsorption-based processes using innovative polymers, biotechnological methods, e.g., algae-based treatment and membrane bioreactor technology, and advanced oxidation methods such as catalytic oxidation. This article is an abridged version of the chapter published by Crini et al (2021a) in the series Environmental Chemistry for a Sustainable World.…”