Organic Compounds in Paper Mill Wastewaters

Refractory organic pollutants and toxicity in pulp and paper mill wastewaters

“…Fatty acids and terpenes are removed quickly during the chemical pulping (Latorre et al 2005). Organic fatty acid esters and waxes are hydrolyzed almost completely during pulping i.e.…”

“…Biocides are widely used to combat microbial, fungal and algal growth (Latorre et al 2005). The type of biocide is selected based on the point of application, target microbe and chemical compatibility of the process.…”

“…Biocides can be divided into oxidizing agents, such as chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide and highly toxic organic chemicals including thiocyanates, isothiazolins, cyanobutane and bromo compounds (Latorre et al 2005). They can also be classified based on their chemical structures or their mode of action, such as membrane active biocides, permeabilizers, cell wall inhibitors, cytotoxic agents and genotoxic agents.…”

“…Biocides pose a risk of negative effects in the receiving waters (Latorre et al 2005;Oller et al 2011). Their propagation is very easy in the environment due to their high solubility.…”

“…In addition, organic tin compounds including distannoxane, bis(tri-n-butyltin) oxide with quaternary ammonium compounds, were used despite being very toxic to aquatic life (McCoy 1980). A fraction of biocides will degrade biologically or chemically but some will remain in aqueous phase and the rest will be present in the effluent or solid material (Latorre et al 2005). In addition, some biocides can be fiber retentive and accumulate in the final paper product due to their physicochemical properties (Abrantes et al 1998).…”