ABSTRACT
Several hazardous chemicals have been reported in the effluents generated by petroleum refineries. These effluents have significant environmental impacts and contain non-biodegradable, aromatic organic compounds like polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and phenolic compounds. A major danger, henceforth, impacts both humans and the surrounding environment. Phenols are highly water-soluble and undergo different reactions such as methylation and chlorination, which have even more negative consequences. They can be converted to more recalcitrant toxic materials such as chlorophenols and cresols. These organic compounds are mutagenic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic and have been listed as priority hazardous substances. As a result, widespread concern has been expressed around the world about the treatment and disposal of wastewater containing such pollutants from industrial effluents prior to discharge into aqueous systems. This chapter discusses in depth the nature of the petroleum refining effluents, wastewater emitted by the petroleum industry, toxicological impact on humans and the surrounding environment, and the different treatment approaches applied for this purpose.
