Characterization and Analysis of Acetaldehyde Wastewater by Molecular Weight Distribution, Hydrophilicity, and Chemical Composition

Acetaldehyde is a typical toxic substance of the petrochemical industry. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) plays an important role in wastewater treatment. Therefore, the molecular weight, hydrophilicity, and chemical composition of DOC in acetaldehyde wastewater were evaluated. First, the molecular weight (MW) distribution was investigated; the results showed that acetaldehyde wastewater was mainly composed of components with a MW less than 1 kDa, and possessed higher proportion of protein-like substances that were dominant contributors to membrane fouling. Then, the distribution of hydrophobicity was evaluated; hydrophobic bases were reported to be slowly biodegradable fractions due to the high humic content. Finally, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was utilized to determine chemical composition, and 30 pollutants were detected. Aldehydes, hydrocarbons, ketones, alcohols, furans, phenols, and organic acids were the dominant pollutants. Most of them were moderately toxic compounds. The comprehensive characterization of acetaldehyde wastewater will contribute to control strategies and sustainable development.