Free and bound chlorophenols in kraft pulp bleaching effluents

Abstract Free (F; hexane extractable) and chemically bound (B; alkali extractable) chlorophenols, catechols and guaiacols were measured from effluents of the C and E stages of chlorobleaching of kraft softwood pulp. Ratio B/F was in moste cases nearly one, but for tetrachloroguaiacol B/F was 20 in C and 2.70 in E stage. Organically bound chlorine (OCl) in chlorophenols was less than one percent of the total AOX (Adsorbable Organic Halogen) emitted.