*3.2.2. Agricultural waste*

Application of pesticides, insecticides and herbicides constitutes the main source of water pollution with phenolic compounds through the agricultural source. Availability or detec‐ tion of phenol and some chlorophenols such as 2‐chlorophenol, 2,4‐dichlorophenol and some catechols in the aquatic environment have been attributed to biodegradation of some of these pesticides. Among these pesticides are 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 4‐chloro‐2‐methyl‐ phenoxyacetic acid, 2,4,5‐richloro‐phenoxy acetic acid [24, 25]. Another pesticide vastly used in the agricultural sector is pentachlorophenol which finally degrades to other chlorophenols with lower chlorine substituents [26]. These herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides with their degradation by‐products are washed into the water bodies through agricultural runoff.

### *3.2.3. Domestic waste*

Phenol is a component of many household chemicals. It is present in disinfectants, antisep‐ tics and slimicides. Medical or pharmaceutical products including body lotions, ointments, mouthwashes and some oral sprays meant for anaesthetic purposes or for sore throat treat‐ ment all contain phenol. Phenol is also present in other household products such as soaps, toys, paints, lacquers, perfumes and varnish removers [13]. Household wastewater, which invariably contains these products, is usually drained through the sinks or gutter, and finally, enter nearby water bodies contaminating them.
