Further studies on phenol removal from aqueous solutions by solvent extraction

The removal of phenol from aqueous solutions by solvent extraction has been investigated. Batch experiments were conducted to determine the effect of different solvents (four solvents) on the rate of phenol removal from dilute aqueous solution. The effect of pH, contact time, solvent/feed ratio, shaking time and agitation speed on the removal of phenol by each solvent were investigated. The equilibrium condition was also determined and the rate of extraction was measured as a function of the above. The performance of each solvent is discussed with respect to the operating conditions. The results lead strongly towards the use of methyl iso-butyl keton (MIBK) and di-isopropyl ether (DIPE) as a preferred solvent. Based on the results of the experiments the operating conditions were proposed and 95-98% phenol was removed depending on the type of solvent used.