Removal of Pesticides-Containing Phenolic Compounds Using Packed Bed Adsorption: A Short Review

Abstract

Phenolic compounds are very toxic if released to the environment through the extensive usage of pesticides in the agriculture sector. This review paper aims to review the adsorption process of phenolic compounds from aqueous media. The preliminary assessment on the uncontrolled application of pesticides containing phenolic compounds confirmed phenolic compounds' health and environmental risk in the aqueous environment. Based on the review, the best adsorbent for the uptake of phenolic compounds is the carbon-based adsorbent. The highest reported adsorption capacity is 1000 mg/g by activated neem leaf. However, the adsorption capacities are varied from 1 to 1000 mg/g and are affected by different parameters: pH, adsorbent dosage, temperature, the phenol's initial concentration, and contact time. Activated carbon-based adsorbent achieves the highest adsorption capacities, followed by synthetic and polymeric resin, and lastly bio-sorbent/wastes.