DESTRUCTION OF PHENOL FROM WASTE-WATER BY OXIDATION WITH SO32--O2

Phenol is a highly toxic and undesirable water pollutant. The destruction of phenol in aqueous solution has been studied by using sulfite-oxygen as an oxidant in the presence of cupric ions as a catalyst. Two distinct periods, namely, an induction period and a steady-state activity period, are observed. Acetic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid in aqueous solution, and CO2 in gaseous form have been identified as major products. A carbon balance has been established by quantitatively determining CO2 and acids by using ion chromatography. A major reaction path has been proposed.