Technological Advancements in BTEX Removal from Petrochemical Wastewater

Petrochemical industry wastewater represents a significant environmental challenge due to the presence of toxic and recalcitrant pollutants, particularly Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylenes (BTEX). Conventional treatment methods often prove inadequate for meeting stringent discharge regulations. This review focuses on recent technological advancements for BTEX removal, critically evaluating the principles, performance, advantages, and limitations of Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs), biological treatment methods, membrane filtration technologies, and integrated hybrid systems. AOPs, such as Fenton processes, ozonation, and photocatalysis, demonstrate high degradation potential for BTEX, but can be hindered by high costs and potential byproduct formation. Biological treatments offer cost-effective solutions for bulk organic removal yet face challenges with toxicity, shock loads, and the recalcitrance of certain BTEX components in complex petrochemical matrices. Membrane technologies provide a physical barrier for separation but are constrained by fouling and concentrate management issues. Hybrid systems, which intelligently combine different processes, emerge as a highly promising approach, leveraging synergistic effects to overcome individual process limitations, enhance overall efficiency, and improve robustness. The trend towards integrated treatment trains signifies a key direction for achieving sustainable and effective management of BTEX-contaminated petrochemical wastewater.

Keywords:

BTEX , Petrochemical Wastewater , Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) , Biological Treatment , Wastewater Treatment