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Q&As since 1989


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We are having high levels of Phenol, 2,4-Dimethylphenol and Chloroform in our waste water stream

Our TTO's for a waste water sample (daily limit-2.13 mg/l) was 14.20 mg/l mainly from 2,4-Dimethylphenol---10.300 and Phenol--3.900 which put us in violation with the city water department. We are usually only dumping about 400 gallons to the city each day in a manual batch filter press 1.3cu/ft using Cleartreat 2004G as a flocculate. Our next sample was TTO---1.62 with Phenol--.194 mg/l, 2,4-Dimethylphenol--1.410 mg/l and Chloroform-.122mg/l. We mainly use KOH and Nitric Acid to remove Aluminum, Copper, Tantalum, Titanium, Cobalt and Nickel from mainly Stainless Steel parts. We have seen lower levels of the Phenols in the past but not this high. We would appreciate any help on this issue

Larry D [last name deleted by editor due to nature of posting]
parts cleaning - Dallas, Texas
2006

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Adjust the pH to about 5, add 50 - 100 mg/l ferrous sulphate ferrous sulphate [affil links], then a little (1 - 2 liters) 35% hydrogen peroxide. Then, stir overnight. This is the good old classic "Fentons Reaction" that dates back to the 19th century. This should kill your phenols. Do this after metals removal, as long as your POTW doesn't mind some iron in your discharge.

Dave Wichern
Consultant - The Bronx, New York
2006