Survey on the Efficiency of Ultrasonic Waves in Phenol Removal from Synthetic Wastewater

Phenol is one of the toxic and dangerous substances for environmental and human health which is produced by natural and artificial sources. Phenol can enter to environment and specially water resources and causes irreparable damages. The aim of study was to evaluate the efficiency of ultrasonic waves in removal of phenol from synthetic wastewater.

The experimental study was conducted on a laboratory scale. The pilot used in this study was consist of contact reservoir of synthetic wastewater and also ultrasonic devise. In this study, the effect of parameters including solution pH, contact time, initial phenol concentration and ultrasonic wave power were investigated.

The results showed that with increasing solution pH from 4 to 8, the phenol removal efficiency was decreased and higher solution pH than 8 lead to phenol removal efficiency improvement. Also, with increasing contact time and ultrasonic wave intensity, phenol removal efficiency has increased. Based on the results, the optimal solution pH, contact time, initial phenol concentration and ultrasonic power were 9, 25 min, 2.5 mg/L and 150 W, respectively.

The ultrasonic waves can be suggested as a relatively new and relatively efficient method for the removal of refractory and resistant compounds such as phenol from aqueous solutions.