**Phenolic Compounds in Water: Sources, Reactivity, Toxicity and Treatment Methods Phenolic Compounds in Water: Sources, Reactivity, Toxicity and Treatment Methods**

William W. Anku, Messai A. Mamo and William W. Anku, Messai A. Mamo and Penny P. Govender

Penny P. Govender

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/66927

### **Abstract**

Phenolic compounds exist in water bodies due to the discharge of polluted wastewater from industrial, agricultural and domestic activities into water bodies. They also occur as a result of natural phenomena. These compounds are known to be toxic and inflict both severe and long‐lasting effects on both humans and animals. They act as carcino‐ gens and cause damage to the red blood cells and the liver, even at low concentrations. Interaction of these compounds with microorganisms, inorganic and other organic com‐ pounds in water can produce substituted compounds or other moieties, which may be as toxic as the original phenolic compounds. This chapter dwells on the sources and reactivity of phenolic compounds in water, their toxic effects on humans, and methods of their removal from water. Specific emphasis is placed on the techniques of their removal from water with attention on both conventional and advanced methods. Among these methods are ozonation, adsorption, extraction, photocatalytic degradation, biological, electro‐Fenton, adsorption and ion exchange and membrane‐based separation.

**Keywords:** phenolic compounds, toxicity, wastewater treatment, photodecomposition, membrane‐based separation
