Degradation of Phenol Containing Wastewater by Advance Catalysis System – A Review

Abstract

Phenols and their derivatives are broadly distributed as a characteristic pollutant due to its frequent presence in effluents of many industrial processes. Most of the phenolic compounds are toxic to living organisms as well as environment, even at low concentration. These phenol derivatives introduced into the environment, they may accumulate in soil and water. This signifies enormous environmental issues and if they enter into the food cycle through that polluted water, they can cause numerous health problems to humans. They show adverse effects on human being which are short term as well as long term effects. Enzymes are good biocatalysts. We discussed in this study about an enzymatic treatment on effluent containing phenols. Phenol degrading enzymes and their delivery systems in effluent shortly discussed. We focused only on the phenol degrading peroxidase enzyme. Numerous researchers extracted the peroxidase from various plants and their parts. Many researchers have reported that methods of biodegradation of phenols by peroxidase with additives to retain the specificity of peroxidase through their whole reaction. In conclusion, the plants having a great source of enzymes, such as horseradish roots, soybean seed hulls and turnip roots are having rich sources of enzymes. The enzymes are time saving and inexpensive catalyst. There are no harmful products formed after completion of reaction. Hence, enzymatic treatment is fully eco-friendly treatment.