Efficiency evaluation of a biofilter system for phenol removal in the Esmeraldas refinery effluent area

Abstract

Introduction: At the Esmeraldas refinery, the management of phenol-contaminated effluents represents a constant challenge. Despite efforts to implement conventional treatment systems, these often fail to meet the required quality standards, underscoring the need to explore innovative alternatives. Materials and methods: The research used an observational-descriptive methodological design, monitoring key physicochemical parameters such as pH, temperature, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) before and after treatment. Results: The results showed an average efficiency of 91.7% in phenol removal, with a significant reduction in the initial COD, which went from 320 mg/L to 48 mg/L, representing an 85% decrease. Furthermore, the system maintained a stable pH between 6.8 and 7.2, and an average temperature of 28 °C, ideal conditions for microbial activity. In regulatory terms, the biofilter met the limits established by the Environmental Organic Code (EOC) (0.2 mg/L). Discussion: Comparison with previous studies shows that the evaluated biofilter is not only effective in removing phenol but also represents a viable and sustainable alternative for industrial effluent management. Its ability to comply with strict regulations, its high performance, and its potential to adapt to new technological configurations position it as an ideal solution in the transition to more responsible and sustainable industrial practices. Conclusions: The conclusions highlight the viability of the biofilter as a sustainable and efficient technology for treating industrial effluents, highlighting its contribution to environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance. Although pretreatment is recommended to optimize its performance under extreme pollutant loads.