Anaerobic Carbon Filter for Degradation of Phenols

Abstract

An innovative energy efficient process has been developed for the effective degradation of phenolic compounds. The treatment process, which consists of an anaerobic filter with granular activated carbon serving as a contact medium, effectively reduces the phenolic content of a synthetic catechol bearing wastewater. Degradation of another phenolic compound, o-cresol, was not realized. The o-cresol exhibited no inhibition to the formation of methane as a result of the breakdown of other organic cosubstrates—glucose, sodium citrate and an ethanol vitamin extract. The potential of the treatment process in the treatment of coal conversion wastewaters is currently under investigation.