Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life - Phenols

henols and phenolic substances are aromatic hydroxy compounds classified as monohydric (e.g., phenol, cresols [methylphenols], xylenols [dimethylphenols]), dihydric (e.g., catechols [odihydroxybenzenes], resorcinols [m-dihydroxybenzenes]) or polyhydric (with three or more hydroxy groups), depending on the number of hydroxyl groups attached to the aromatic benzene ring (McNeely et al. 1979). The chemical formula for phenol (parent structure) is C6H5OH, and its CAS number is 108-95-2. Monoand dihydric phenols have not been produced in Canada since 1992, although imports for 1995 and 1996 totaled 0.76 and 1.03 × 10 t, respectively, with 98% in the form of pure phenol (Environment Canada 1997). Phenols are a major by-product of the pulp and paper, mineral (nonmetallic), chemical, steel and metal, and petroleum industries (Environment Canada 1997). Phenols are used as disinfectants, biocides, preservatives, dyes, pesticides, and medical and industrial organic chemicals (CIS 1984). In Canada, approximately 84% of phenols are used in the production of phenolic resins (Environment Canada 1997).