Minimization of Phenol by Natural Occurrence Adsorbent

Phenol and chlorophenols are long-lived pollutants frequently found in industrial effluents. Phenols are widely used for the commercial production of a wide variety of resins including phenolic resins, epoxy resins and adhesives, and polyamide for various applications. Adsorption process has been proven one of the best water treatment technologies around the world and the removal of diverse types of pollutants from water. However, widespread use of commercial adsorbent is sometimes restricted due to its higher costs. Attempts have been made to develop inexpensive adsorbents utilizing for the reduction of phenol from water. Four types of adsorbent clay, algae, moringa oleifera and rice husk has been used. Among all rice husk shown 97 % of phenol adsorption at 1mm particle size, pH 4, 3 g/l dosing and 150min contact time.