Removal of Copper (II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions using Na‐mordenite

Abstract

The potential to remove copper (II) ions from aqueous solutions using Na‐mordenite, a common zeolite mineral, was thoroughly investigated. The effects of relevant parameters solution pH, adsorbent dose, ionic strength, and temperature on copper (II) adsorption capacity were examined. The sorption data followed the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin‐Radushkevich (D‐R) isotherms. The maximum sorption capacity was found to be 10.69 mg/g at pH 6, initial concentration of 40 mg/dm³, and temperature of 40°C. Different thermodynamic parameters viz., changes in standard free energy (ΔG⁰), enthalpy (ΔH⁰), and entropy (ΔS⁰) have also been evaluated and the results show that the sorption process was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The dynamics of the sorption process were studied and the values of rate constant of adsorption, rate constant of intraparticle diffusion were calculated. The activation energy (E_a) was found to be 11.25 kJ/mol in the present study, indicating a chemical sorption process involving weak interactions between sorbent and sorbate. The interaction between copper (II) ions and Na‐mordenite is mainly attributable to ion exchange. The sorption capacity increased with the increase of solution pH and the decrease of ionic strength and adsorbent dose. The Na‐mordenite can be used to separate copper (II) ions from aqueous solutions.     

Optimization and analysis of nickel adsorption on microwave irradiated rice husk using response surface methodology (RSM)

BACKGROUND: The removal of heavy metals using adsorption techniques with low cost biosorbents is being extensively investigated. The improved adsorption is essentially due to the pores present in the adsorbent. One way of improving the porosity of the material is by irradiation of the precursor using microwaves. In the present study, the adsorption characteristics of nickel onto microwave‐irradiated rice husks were studied and the process variables were optimized through response surface methodology (RSM). RESULT: The adsorption of nickel onto microwave‐irradiated rice husk (MIRH) was found to be better than that of the raw rice husk (RRH). The kinetics of the adsorption of Ni(II) from aqueous solution onto MIRH was found to follow a pseudo‐second‐order model. Thermodynamic parameters such as standard Gibbs free energy (ΔG°), standard enthalpy (ΔH°), and standard entropy (ΔS°) were also evaluated. The thermodynamics of Ni(II) adsorption onto MIRH indicates that it is spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the design parameters for the present process. CONCLUSION: Microwave‐irradiated rice husk was found to be a suitable adsorbent for the removal of nickel(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The adsorption capacity of the rice husk was found to be 1.17 mg g^?1. The optimized parameters for the current process were found as follows: adsorbent loading 2.8 g (100 mL)^?1; Initial adsorbate concentration 6 mg L^?1; adsorption time 210 min.; and adsorption temperature 35 °C. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fly ash as a sorbent for boron removal from aqueous solutions: Equilibrium and thermodynamic studies

ABSTRACT

This study presents the application of fly ash from brown coal and biomass burning power plant as a sorbent for the removal of boron ions from an aqueous solution. The adsorption process efficiency depended on the parameters, such as adsorbent dosage, pH, temperature, agitation time and initial boron concentration. The experimental data fitted well with the Freundlich isotherm model and the maximum capacity was found to be 16.14 mg g^?1. The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model. Also, the intra-particle diffusion model parameters were calculated. Thermodynamic parameters such as change in free energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (ΔH°), entropy (ΔS°) revealed on exothermic nature of boron adsorption onto the fly ash.     

Removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution by newspapers

The potential to remove Cr (VI) ions from aqueous solution using newspapers was investigated in the present study. The effects of relevant parameters such as solution pH, adsorbent concentration, and reaction temperature on Cr (VI) adsorption were examined. The adsorption of Cr (VI) ions onto newspapers was found to be highly pH-dependent and the highest uptake occurred at pH 1.0. The sorption equilibrium data were correlated to the Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich-Peterson and Dubinin-Radushkevich equations. Five different non-linear error functions were examined and the result indicated that the Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson equations better fitted the equilibrium data than Langmuir isotherm. The maximum sorption capacity was found to be 55.06 mg/g at pH 1.0, adsorbent concentration 4 g/L and reaction temperature of 30 °C. Different thermodynamic parameters viz., changes in standard free energy (ΔG⁰), enthalpy (ΔH⁰) and entropy (ΔS⁰) were also evaluated and the results show that the sorption process was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The kinetic experimental data were well fitted by the pseudo-second order, external film diffusion and diffusion models allowing the corresponding parameters to be evaluated. The sorption capacity increased with the decrease of adsorbent concentration.     

Removal of Neutral Red from aqueous solution by using modified hectorite

The object of this work was to study the modified hectorite as effective adsorbent for Neutral Red (NR) from aqueous solution. The adsorbent capacity of modified hectorite was discussed. The effects of surfactant content, adsorbent content, pH and adsorption temperature on the sorption of NR on modified hectorite were studied. Experimental results showed that the equilibrium adsorption data fitted well with Langmuir isotherm and the adsorption capacity was 393.70 mg/g for the modified cetylpyridinium bromide hectorite (CPB-Hect). Kinetic studies showed that the dynamical data fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. For thermodynamic studies, parameters such as the Gibbs free energy (ΔG⁰), the enthalpy (ΔH⁰) and the entropy (ΔS⁰) indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic in nature.     

Preparation and characterization of selective phenyl thiosemicarbazide modified Au(III) ion‐imprinted cellulosic cotton fibers

In this study, a novel selective Au(III) chelating surface ion imprinted fibers based on phenyl thiosemicarbazide modified natural cotton (Au‐C‐PTS) has been synthesized, and applied for selective removal of Au(III) from aqueous solutions. Batch adsorption experiments were performed with various parameters, such as contact time, pH, initial Au(III) concentration, and temperature. The kinetic studies revealed that the adsorption process could be described by pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model, while the adsorption data correlated well with the Langmuir and Freundlich models. The maximum adsorption capacities calculated from the Langmuir equation are 140 ± 1 mg g^?1 and 72 ± 1 mg g^?1 at pH 5 for both Au‐C‐PTS and NI‐C‐PTS, respectively. The estimated thermodynamic parameters (Gibbs free energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (ΔH°), and entropy change (ΔS°)) indicated the spontaneity and exothermic nature of the adsorption process. Furthermore, the selectivity study revealed that the ion imprinted fibers was highly selective to Au(III) compared with Cu(II), Cd(II), Hg(II), and Fe(III). The adsorbent was successfully regenerated with a 0.1M HNO₃ solution. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40769.     

Surface modification of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) leaves for the adsorption of copper ions: kinetic,thermodynamic and binding mechanisms

BACKGROUND: This research describes the adsorption of copper ions from aqueous solutions following the modification of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) leaves with formaldehyde solution. The main objectives of this research were to identify the binding mechanisms of copper ions on the chemically modified rubber leaves by spectroscopic techniques and to investigate the effects of several important physicochemical parameters such as pH, copper concentration, contact time, adsorbent dose and temperature on copper removal. RESULTS: Based on a kinetic study, the pseudo‐second‐order model was found to fit the experimental results well, while the Boyd kinetic model indicated that the rate‐determining step was due to film diffusion. Adsorption isotherms were modelled by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations, with the former providing a better fit for the data. Based on the Langmuir model, the maximum adsorption capacities of Cu(II) ions at 300, 310 and 320 K were 8.36, 8.61 and 8.71 mg g^?1, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters such as the Gibbs free energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (ΔH°) and entropy changes (ΔS°) were calculated. The adsorption process was spontaneous as the values of ΔG° were negative, and endothermic as higher adsorption capacities were recorded at higher temperatures. More than 80% of copper ions bound on the adsorbent were able to be desorbed using 0.02 mol L^?1 HCl, HNO₃ and EDTA solutions. Besides ion exchange, surface complexation could also play a major role in copper binding. CONCLUSION: Due to its relative abundance and satisfactory adsorption capacity, the modified rubber leaves can be considered as a good low‐cost adsorbent for removing copper ions from dilute aqueous solutions. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Adsorption of Furfural from Aqueous Solution onto Activated Carbon: Kinetic,Equilibrium and Thermodynamic Study

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the influence of various experimental parameters viz. initial pH (pH ₀), adsorbent dose, contact time, initial concentration and temperature on the adsorptive removal of furfural from aqueous solution by commercial grade activated carbon (ACC). Optimum conditions for furfural removal were found to be pH ₀ ≈ 5.9, adsorbent dose ≈ 10 g/l of solution and equilibrium time ≈ 6.0 h. The adsorption followed pseudo‐second‐order kinetics. The effective diffusion coefficient of furfural was of the order of 10^?13 m²/s. Furfural adsorption onto ACC was found to be best represented by the Redlich‐Peterson isotherm. A decrease in the temperature of the operation favorably influenced the adsorption of furfural onto ACC. The positive values of the change in entropy (ΔS ⁰); and the negatived value of heat of adsorption (ΔH ⁰) and change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG ⁰) indicated feasible, exothermic, and spontaneous nature of furfural adsorption onto ACC.     

Kinetics, thermodynamic and equilibrium study of Cr(VI) adsorption from aqueous solutions by NCL coal dust

The waste material NCL coal dust was used as adsorbent for removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions under batch adsorption experiments. The maximum removal of 99.97% was recorded at pH 2. The time required to attain equilibrium was found to be 60 min. Adsorption kinetics was described by the Lagergren equation. The value of the rate constant of adsorption was found to be 0.0615 min^?1 at 16 mg dm^?3 initial concentration and 298 K. The applicability of the Langmuir and Freundlich equations for the present system was also tested at different temperatures: 298, 313, and 328 K. Both thermodynamic parameters and temperature dependence indicated the endothermic nature of Cr(VI) adsorption on coal dust. The results showed that NCL coal dust is a promising adsorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions.     

Removal of Basic Blue 3 by sorption onto a weak acid acrylic resin

A weak acid acrylic resin was used as an adsorbent for the investigation of Basic Blue 3 (BB3) adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamic parameters. Batch adsorption studies were carried out to evaluate the effect of pH, contact time, initial concentration (28–100 mg/g), adsorbent dose (0.05–0.3 g), and temperature (290–323 K) on the removal of BB3. The adsorption equilibrium data were analyzed by the Langmuir, Temkin, and Freundlich isotherm models, with the best fitting being the first one. The adsorption capacity (Q_o) increased with increasing initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose, and temperature; the highest maximum Q_o (59.53 mg/g) was obtained at 323 K. Pseudo‐first‐order and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models and intraparticle diffusion models were used to analyze the kinetic data; good agreement between the experimental and calculated amounts of dye adsorbed at equilibrium were obtained for the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models for the entire investigated concentrations domain. Various thermodynamic parameters, such as standard enthalpy of adsorption (ΔH^o = 88.817 kJ/mol), standard entropy of adsorption (ΔS^o = 0.307 kJ mol^?1 K^?1), and Gibbs free energy (ΔG^o < 0, for all temperatures investigated), were evaluated and revealed that the adsorption process was endothermic and favorable. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

ADSORPTION OF A LEATHER DYE ON MESOPOROUS STRUVITE OBTAINED FROM SWINE WASTEWATER

Struvite powder obtained from swine wastewater was used as adsorbent to remove an azo leather dye from aqueous solution. The material was characterized by X-ray diffraction, surface area, and atomic force microscopy. The sample presented a single phase having a mesoporous structure and surface area of 35.63 m² g^?1. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were fitted to the adsorption data and both satisfactorily represented the process. The maximum adsorption capacity was 38.14 mg g^?1. From the analysis of thermodynamic parameters such as free energy of adsorption (ΔG°), enthalpy (ΔH°), and entropy (ΔS°) it was verified that the adsorption process is very fast, spontaneous, and exothermic in nature, with weak forces acting.     

Application of Chattim tree (devil tree,Alstonia scholaris) saw dust as a biosorbent for removal of hexavalent chromium from contaminated water

“Devil tree saw dust”; a novel biosorbent has been utilised successfully for the removal of hexavalent chromium from contaminated water. Batch adsorption procedure is utilised to test the ability of saw dust as an adsorbent for hexavalent chromium (reduction coupled adsorption). The contribution of various parameters on sorption, such as contact time, sorbate concentration, pH of the medium and temperature were estimated and maximum uptake of hexavalent chromium from contaminated water was 333.33 mg g^?1 at pH 2.0 and temperature of 35°C. Hexavalent chromium uptake from contaminated water followed the pseudo‐first‐order rate expression. The standard free energy change (ΔG⁰), standard enthalpy change (ΔH⁰) and standard entropy change (ΔS⁰) have also been evaluated and it has been concluded that the sorption was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The process follows well Langmuir isotherm. Fourier Transform Infra‐Red (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of hexavalent chromium loaded and unloaded saw dust were performed, SEM clearly indicates chromium adsorption. FTIR spectroscopy revealed the involvement of carbonyl, hydroxyl and amide groups on the cell surfaces in chromium binding. Very good adsorption capacity and low cost or cost free of devil tree saw dust makes this biosorbent as one of the best adsorbents for removal of hexavalent chromium from contaminated water. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering     

STUDIES ON THE ADSORPTION OF FURFURAL FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION ONTO LOW-COST BAGASSE FLY ASH

The present study deals with the sorptive removal of furfural from aqueous solution by carbon-rich bagasse fly ash (BFA). Batch studies were performed to evaluate the influence of various experimental parameters, namely, initial pH (p H ₀), adsorbent dose, contact time, initial concentration, and temperature on the removal of furfural. Optimum conditions for furfural removal were found to be p H ₀ ≈ 5.5, adsorbent dose ≈4 g/L of solution, and equilibrium time ≈4 h. The adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The effective diffusion coefficient of furfural is of the order of 10^?13 m²/s. Equilibrium adsorption data on BFA was analyzed by Freundlich, Langmuir, Dubnin-Radushkevich, Redlich-Peterson, and Temkin isotherm equations using regression and error analysis. The Redlich-Peterson isotherm was found to best represent the data for furfural adsorption onto BFA. Adsorption of furfural on BFA is favorably influenced by a decrease in the temperature of the operation. Values of the change in entropy (ΔS ⁰) and heat of adsorption (ΔH ⁰) for furfural adsorption on BFA were negative. The high negative value of change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG ⁰) indicates the feasible and spontaneous adsorption of furfural on BFA.     

Polymer‐grafted banana (Musa paradisiaca) stalk as an adsorbent for the removal of lead(II) and cadmium(II) ions from aqueous solutions: kinetic and equilibrium studies

This study examined the effectiveness of a new adsorbent prepared from banana (Musa paradisiaca) stalk, one of the abundantly available lignocellulosic agrowastes, in removing Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The adsorbent (PGBS‐COOH) having a carboxylate functional group at its chain end was synthesized by graft copolymerization of acrylamide on to banana stalk, followed by functionalization. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out as a function of solution pH, ionic strength, contact time, metal concentration, adsorbent dose and temperature. A pH range of 5.5–8.0 was found to be effective for the maximum removal for both Pb(II) and Cd(II). Metal uptake was found to decrease with increase in ionic strength due to the expansion of the diffuse double layer and, more importantly, the formation of some chloro complexes (since NaCl was used in the adjustment of ionic strength), which do not appear to be adsorbed to the same extent as cations [M²⁺ and M(OH)⁺]. The kinetic studies showed that an equilibrium time of 3 h was needed for the adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) on PGBS‐COOH and adsorption processes followed a pseudo‐second‐order equation. The Langmuir isotherm model fitted the experimental equilibrium data well. The maximum sorption capacity for Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions was 185.34 and 65.88 mg g^?1, respectively, at 30 °C. The thermodynamic parameters such as changes in free energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (ΔH°) and entropy (ΔS°) were derived to predict the nature of adsorption. The isosteric heat of adsorption was found to be independent of surface coverage. Adsorption experiments were also conducted using a commercial cation exchanger, Ceralite IRC‐50, for comparison. Synthetic wastewater samples were treated with the adsorbent to demonstrate its efficiency in removing Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from industrial wastewaters. Acid regeneration was tried for several cycles with a view to recovering the sorbed metal ions and also restoring the sorbent to its original state. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Removal of Orange II by Phosphonium-modified Algerian Bentonites

An Algerian montmorillonite was modified with two organic surfactants, methyltriphenyl phosphonium bromide and n-hexyltriphenyl phosphonium bromide. The solids obtained were used as adsorbents to remove Orange II, an anionic dye from aqueous solutions. Batch experiments were conducted to study the effects of temperature (20–60°C), initial concentration of adsorbate (50–150 mg L^?1) and pH of solution 6.5 on dye adsorption. Due to their organophilic nature, exchanged montmorillonites were able to adsorb Orange II at a very high level. Adsorption of Orange II for B-NHTPB and B-MTPB at different pH show that the adsorption capacity clearly decreases with an increase in pH of the initial solution from 2 to 8, this decrease being dramatic for pH > 8. This may be due to hydrophobic interactions of the organic dye with both phosphonium molecules and the remaining non-covered portion of siloxane surface. The kinetics of the adsorption was discussed on the basis of three kinetic models, i.e., the pseudo-first-order, the pseudo-second-order, and the intraparticle diffusion models. Equilibrium is reached after 30 min and 60 min for B-MTPB and B-NHTPB, respectively; the pseudo-second-order kinetic model described very well the adsorption of Orange II on modified bentonites. The non-linear Langmuir model provided the best correlation of experimental data, maximum adsorption of Orange II is 53.78 mg g^?1 for B-NHTPB and 33.79 mg g^?1 for B-MTPB. The thermodynamic parameters, such as free energy of adsorption (ΔG°), enthalpy change (ΔH°), and entropy change (ΔS°) were also determined and evaluated. From thermodynamic studies, it was deduced that the adsorption was spontaneous and exothermic.     

Factors Affecting Lanthanum and Cerium Biosorption on Pinus brutia Leaf Powder

The biosorption behavior of lanthanum and cerium ions from aqueous solution by leaf powder of Pinus brutia was separately studied in a batch system as a function of initial pH, contact time, initial metal ion concentration, temperature, and adsorbent amount. The uptake of lanthanum and cerium was increased when the initial pH of the solution was increased. Thermodynamic parameters such as standard enthalpy (ΔH°), entropy (ΔS°) and free energy (ΔG°) were calculated and the results indicated that biosorption was endothermic and spontaneous in nature. The biosorption of lanthanum and cerium on powdered leaf of Pinus brutia was investigated by the Freundlich, Langmuir, and D-R isotherms. The results show that lanthanum and cerium adsorption can be explained by the Langmuir isotherm model and monolayer capacity was found as 22.94 mg g^?1 for lanthanum and 17.24 mg g^?1 for cerium. Desorption of lanthanum and cerium was studied using 0.5 M HNO₃ solution. The results suggested that powdered leaf of Pinus brutia may find promising applications for the recovery of lanthanum and cerium from aqueous effluents.     

Uptake and recovery of gold by immobilized persimmon tannin

Some attempts were made to recover gold from aqueous systems using immobilized persimmon tannin. This adsorbent adsorbed gold from solutions containing hydrogen tetrachloroaurate(III) with high efficiency, whereas there was minimal adsorption from solutions containing gold(I) sodium thiomalate and sodium dicyanoaurate(I). The adsorption of gold was rapid, and was affected by the pH of the solution, temperature, external gold concentration and amount of adsorbent. Adsorbed gold was easily desorbed with 1 mol dm^?3 thiourea solution, indicating that immobilized persimmon tannin can be repeatedly re-used for the recovery of gold using adsorption-desorption cycles.     

Removal of suspended solids and residual oil from palm oil mill effluent

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) was pretreated to remove suspended solids and residual oil. The processes used were flocculation, solvent extraction, adsorption and membrane separation. Flocculation was used to remove suspended solids, and solvent extraction and adsorption processes were used to remove residual oil. Membrane separation was subsequently applied to remove any residual suspended solids and oil remaining after the pretreatments. The solvent extraction and adsorption processes were operated on a batch basis whereas membrane separation was performed in continuous mode. The treatment efficiency of the processes was measured as percentage removal of suspended solids and oil respectively. The optimum values of the process parameters obtained in the flocculation process were an alum dosage of 4000 mg dm^?3, mixing speed of 150 rpm for 1 h and sedimentation time of 270 min, resulting in 93% suspended solids removal. In the solvent extraction process, a 95% reduction in residual oil was obtained using n‐hexane as a solvent with 20 min of mixing at 200 rpm. The ratio of solvent to POME was 6:10 and carried out at pH 9. In the batch adsorption process, an 88% reduction in residual oil was obtained at a mixing speed of 100 rpm for 1 h, pH 9 and an adsorbent dosage of 300 g dm^?3. In membrane separation processes, GH and CE(GH) membranes gave 63% and 49% reductions in suspended solids and residual oil respectively at pH 9 and pressure of 1000 kPa. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Adsorption behavior of fluoride ions using a titanium hydroxide-derived adsorbent

The removal behavior of fluoride ions was examined in aqueous sodium fluoride solutions using a titanium hydroxide-derived adsorbent. The adsorbent was prepared from titanium oxysulfate (TiOSO₄·xH₂O) solution, and was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectrum and specific surface area. Batchwise adsorption test of prepared adsorbent was carried out in aqueous sodium fluoride solutions and real wastewater containing fluoride ion. The absorbent was the amorphous material, which had different morphology to the raw material, titanium oxysulfate, and the specific surface area of the adsorbent (96.8 m²/g) was 200 times higher than that of raw material (0.5 m²/g). Adsorption of fluoride on the adsorbent was saturated within 30 min in the solution with 200 mg/L of fluoride ions, together with increasing pH of the solution, due to ion exchange between fluoride ions in the solution and hydroxide ions in the adsorbent. Fluoride ions were adsorbed even in at a low fluoride concentration of 5 mg/L; and were selectively adsorbed in the solution containing a high concentration of chloride, nitrate and sulfate ions. The adsorbent can remove fluoride below permitted level (< 0.8 mg/L) from real wastewaters containing various substances. The maximum adsorption of fluoride on the adsorbent could be obtained in the solution at about pH 3. After fluoride adsorption, fluoride ions were easily desorbed using a high pH solution, completely regenerating for further removal process at acidic pH. The capacity for fluoride ion adsorption was almost unchanged three times after repeat adsorption and desorption. The equilibrium adsorption capacity of the adsorbent used for fluoride ion at pH 3 was measured, extrapolated using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, and experimental data are found to fit Freundlich than Langmuir. The prepared adsorbent is expected to be a new inorganic ion exchanger for the removal and recovery of fluoride ions from wastewater.     

Removal of aqueous phenolic compounds from a model system by oxidative polymerization with turnip (Brassica napus L var purple top white globe) peroxidase

Turnip roots, which are readily available in Mexico, are a good source of peroxidase, and because of their kinetic and biochemical properties have a high potential as an economic alternative to horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The efficiency of using turnip peroxidase (TP) to remove several different phenolic compounds as water‐insoluble polymers from synthetic wastewater was investigated. The phenol derivatives studied included phenol, 2‐chlorophenol, 3‐chlorophenol, o‐cresol, m‐cresol, 2,4‐dichlorophenol and bisphenol‐A. The effect of pH, substrate concentration, amount of enzyme activity, reaction time and added polyethylene glycol (PEG) was investigated in order to optimize reaction conditions. A removal efficiency ≥85% was achieved for 0.5 mmol dm^?3 phenol derivatives at pH values between 4 and 8, after a contact time of 3 h at 25 °C with 1.28 U dm^?3 of TP and 0.8 mmol dm^?3 H₂O₂. Addition of PEG (100–200 mg dm^?3) significantly reduced the reaction time required (to 10 min) to obtain >95% removal efficiency and up to 230% increase in remaining TP activity. A relatively low enzyme activity (0.228 U dm^?3) was required to remove >95% of three phenolic solutions in the presence of 100–200 mg dm^?3 PEG. TP showed efficient and fast removal of aromatic compounds from synthetic wastewaters in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and PEG. These results demonstrate that TP has good potential for the treatment of phenolic‐contaminated solutions. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry