TBP-D2EHPA system for synergizing phenol extraction in emulsion liquid membrane process

Abstract. Phenol in wastewater causes adverse pollution problems and could affect aquatic and human life. Emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) had a high potential possibility to extract phenol from wastewater. The new ELM formulation that consists of Tributyl phosphate (TBP) and Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EPHA) in kerosene as a synergistic carrier is investigated. Several operating parameters affecting the phenol extraction and stability of W/O/W emulsion through breakage or swelling were studied, such as extraction time, agitation speed, and treat ratio. At the optimum condition of a treat ratio of 1:5, an agitation speed of 300 rpm, and an extraction time of 3 minutes, a stable ELM process yielded an 89 % phenol extraction. This research highlights the potential synergistic effect of the ELM formulation of the TBP-D2EHPA system in enhancing emulsion stability and improving phenol extraction efficiency.