Effluents cosmetic industry

Figure 2. Effect of biological treatment on toxicity reduction of cosmetic industry effluents as indicated by PEEP index values.

Production processes used in the pharmaceutical/fine chemical, cosmetic, textile, rubber, and other industries result in wastewaters containing significant levels of aliphatic solvents. It has been reported that of the 1000 tons per year of EC-defined toxic wastes generated in Ireland, organic solvents contribute 66% of the waste [27]. A survey of the constituents of pharmaceutical wastewater in Ireland has reported that aliphatic solvents contribute a significant proportion of the BOD/COD content of pharmaceutical effluents. Organic solvents are flammable, malodorous, and potentially toxic to aquatic organisms and thus require complete elimination by wastewater treatment systems. 

Monoterpenes are widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industry as active components of drugs and ingredients of artificial flavours and fragrances [1]. Camphene is converted to isobomeol and bomeol that are used in formulation of soaps, cosmetic perfumes and medicines, as well as in the industrial production of camphor [2], which is used as an odorant/flavorant in pharmaceutical, household and industrial products [7]. Traditionally, homogeneous catalysts, e.g sulphuric acid, are used, but the effluent disposal leads to environmental problems and economical inconveniences. These problems can be overcome by the use of solid acid catalysts. USY zeolite [3], heteropolyacids [4,5] and sulfonic acid surface-functionalised silica [6] have also been used for the camphene hydration. 

Uses Emulsifier for min. oils, animal oils, lubricants, metalworking fluids, cutting oils, cosmetics, agric. codetergent for industrial use defoamer in effluent treatment, pulp/paper processes low foaming additive in detergents, l l hard surf, cleaners, pulp/paper chems. 

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