Dephenolization from aqueous solution by treatment with peroxidase and a coagulant

To develop a new enzymatic method for removal of phenols from wastewater, the reaction of phenols with horseradish peroxidase was investigated in the presence or absence of a coagulant. Phenols are effectively removed by treatment with peroxidase and a cationic polymer coagulant. The coagulant precipitated enzymatic products of phenol, and reduced the inactivation of peroxidase caused by reaction of products from phenol with the enzyme. This stabilization of peroxidase lessened the amount of enzyme required for phenol removal. Reaction of the coagulant with products from phenol resulted in a large precipitate and only simple filtration was required for separation.