ANODIC-OXIDATION OF PHENOL FOR WASTEWATER-TREATMENT

The electrochemical oxidation of phenol for waste water treatment applications was investigated on lead dioxide packed-bed anodes. Cells were operated in both batch and continuous modes with feed streams up to 1100 mg/1 phenol dissolved in aqueous solutions of Na//2SO//4 and H//2SO//4 or NaOH. All the phenol in solution could be readily oxidized but complete total organic carbon (T. O. C. ) removal was more difficult. The percent phenol oxidized increased with increasing current density, and decreased as initial phenol concentration, electrolyte flow rate, pH and anode particle size were increased. Results are compared to simple mathematical models.