Phenolic compounds in water: From toxicity and source to sustainable solutions – An integrated review of removal methods, advanced technologies, cost analysis, and future prospects

This comprehensive review article navigates the complex landscape of environmental phenol pollution, comprehensively analyzing its occurrence, toxicity, and advanced treatment options. The authors begin by describing the many sources of phenol, which range from industrial effluents to home wastewater, to provide a complete knowledge of its pervasive presence in environmental matrices. The paper emphasizes the environmental and human health ramifications of phenol, establishing the framework for a sophisticated understanding of the enormity of the situation. The review focuses on phenol removal, with the authors categorizing approaches into conventional, biological, and advanced removal technologies. The time-tested and dependable traditional procedures are contrasted with the dynamic landscape of biologically mediated treatments, providing readers with insights into the emerging paradigm of phenol elimination. The review's distinguishing characteristic is its in-depth examination of advanced removal technologies, which include nanofiltration, photoreduction, AOP-assisted degradation, adsorption, and synergetic approaches. A thorough comparison study, supplemented by a realistic cost evaluation, gives a complete picture of each method's efficacy and economic viability. Beyond a retrospective examination, the study identifies potential options and problems in phenol elimination. This forward-thinking viewpoint presents the study as a valuable resource for scholars and policymakers navigating the path to sustainable environmental policies. This review article stands out as a light of knowledge in a literary landscape filled with works of different depths, providing a thorough roadmap for successful phenol mitigation techniques and contributing to the collaborative struggle for a cleaner and more sustainable environmental future.