Benzene is a highly toxic organic compound prevalent in crude oil and a by-product of numerous industrial processes. Despite its critical role in the manufacturing of various chemicals, benzene poses severe health risks, including cancer and bone marrow failure. Addressing the presence of benzene in water sources is crucial for ensuring public health and safety. Scientific Sanitation Solutions has taken a significant step forward in this field, developing effective methods to remove benzene from contaminated water.
Occurrence and Usage of Benzene
Benzene is found in trace amounts in petroleum and coal and is a by-product of the incomplete combustion of many materials. Historically, benzene was obtained as a by-product of coke-oven light oil production for the steel industry. Today, most benzene is produced by the petrochemical industry, with a smaller fraction derived from coal.
Primarily, benzene serves as an intermediate in producing other chemicals such as ethylbenzene, cyclohexane, nitrobenzene, cumene, and alkylbenzene. These compounds are essential in manufacturing plastics, resins, synthetic fibres, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. However, due to its toxicity, benzene’s direct use in consumer products is heavily restricted.
Health Effects of Benzene
Benzene exposure poses significant health risks. Classified as a carcinogen, it is linked to serious health conditions such as acute leukaemia, cardiovascular diseases, and bone marrow abnormalities. The American Petroleum Institute (API) emphasises that no safe exposure level exists for benzene, making its removal from drinking water imperative. Even minimal exposure can cause substantial harm, highlighting the importance of effective purification methods.
Analysis and Detection
Benzene’s detection in water is complex due to its non-polar nature, making it partially soluble in water in small quantities. Scientific Sanitation Solutions employed the B-TEX protocol, a method that collectively analyses benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene—known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The detection process utilises Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) with a Headspace Extraction Autosampler, ideal for volatile compounds.
Experimental Study
Scientific Sanitation Solutions conducted a detailed experimental study to test different flocculants for treating benzene-contaminated water. The water samples, containing high levels of benzene, were subjected to three distinct flocculants. Each sample was processed using a standardised method to ensure consistent results.
Results and Conclusion
The results were remarkable. Preliminary B-TEX tests showed initial benzene levels at 570 µg/l, vastly exceeding the EPA’s maximum contaminant level of 5 µg/l. After treatment, benzene levels were reduced to below 2 µg/l, achieving a 99.65% reduction. Similar reductions were observed for other contaminants such as toluene and o-xylene, ensuring the treated water met safety standards.
Key Results:
– Benzene: Reduced from 570 µg/l to <2 µg/l (99.65% reduction)
– Toluene: Reduced from 94 µg/l to <2 µg/l (97.87% reduction)
– o-Xylene: Reduced from 17 µg/l to <2 µg/l (88.24% reduction)
“The results of our study show a 99.65% reduction in benzene levels, providing a safe and effective solution for contaminated water sources.” – Victor Adendorff, Group Managing Director at Scientific Sanitation Solutions
SCIFLOC™, the flocculant developed by Scientific Sanitation Solutions, proved to be the most effective. This formula is not only efficient but also versatile, operating effectively across a wide range of pH levels. Additionally, it is cost-efficient and readily available, making it a practical choice for large-scale applications.
Scientific Sanitation Solutions’ innovative approach marks a significant advancement in water purification technology. Their research provides an effective solution to reduce benzene and other harmful contaminants in water, ensuring safer drinking water and a healthier environment. The successful implementation of their flocculant SCIFLOC™ could lead to significant improvements in water quality globally, mitigating the risks associated with benzene exposure.
