Affiliation:
1. a Department of Chemistry, Swarrnim Institute of Science, Swarrnim Start-Up & Innovation University, Gandhinagar 382420, Gujarat, India
2. b Department of Chemical Engineering, Swarrnim Institute of Technology, Swarrnim start-up & Innovation University, Gandhinagar 382420, Gujarat, India
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the various adsorption methods developed over time for phenol removal. Phenolic substances pose significant threats to aquatic ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. If not properly controlled and treated before discharge, industrial effluents contaminated with phenol can cause detrimental effects on surface and groundwater resources. In comparison with advanced treatments such as ozonation, UV therapy, and the Fenton process, which are associated with higher energy costs, conventional physicochemical treatment methods like adsorption, chemical treatment, membrane filtration, and distillation offer superior removal efficiencies. Pistachio nut shell ash, Moringa peregrina tree shell ash, agricultural fibres, red mud, low-cost clay, olive mill waste, natural zeolites, rubber seed coat, peat, fly ash, and bentonite are just a few examples of the adsorbents and adsorption processes that have been used in literature to remove phenol and its derivatives. For instance, biosorption has been shown to be a successful technique with room for further study in this area regarding regeneration and cost–effectiveness. As a result, numerous researchers in the field of phenolic treatment have emphasized the effectiveness of physicochemical processes over time. Furthermore, additional investigation is required to determine the practical application of inexpensive adsorbents on commercial basis.