Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • The Yangtze River Basin receives over 250 billion tons of wastewater annually, accounting for >40% of China's total discharge, underscoring the urgent need for efficient treatment technologies in the C5 petroleum resin sector. • • The petrochemical industry contributes approximately 20% of China's industrial carbon emissions, highlighting the necessity for integrated pollution and carbon mitigation strategies in wastewater treatment. • • Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) such as catalytic ozonation have demonstrated high efficiency in degrading refractory organic pollutants, with studies reporting significant removal rates under optimized conditions (e.g., complete degradation of dinitrotoluene in high-strength wastewater). • • Membrane technologies, including nanofiltration with interlayers like Fe(III)-tannic acid, enhance the removal of organic micropollutants, achieving superior separation performance and antifouling properties, which are critical for petrochemical wastewater reuse.
Abstract
The lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin, as a concentrated area of China's C5 petroleum resin industry, face critical bottlenecks in green and low-carbon transformation due to high-pollution, refractory wastewater and high carbon emissions. Traditional petrochemical wastewater treatment technologies suffer from low efficiency, high energy consumption, and insufficient resource utilization. This paper systematically analyzes the sources of wastewater in C5 petroleum resin production from principles and processes, and reviews research progress and carbon reduction potential of current technologies in three aspects: new materials, new equipment, and new processes. Integrated processes centered on efficient pretreatment, biological enhancement, and multi-technology coupling show significant advantages in improving treatment efficiency, reducing energy consumption and cost, and strengthening resource recovery. The study also prospects future research priorities for pollution and carbon mitigation through green technological innovation and intelligent upgrading, providing new solutions for 'near-zero discharge' and resource recycling of C5 petroleum resin wastewater, thereby promoting the green and low-carbon transformation of the petrochemical industry.
1. Introduction
The C5 petroleum resin industry in the Yangtze River Basin faces a dual challenge: managing highly polluted and refractory wastewater while reducing carbon emissions. Conventional treatment methods, such as activated sludge and chemical coagulation, are energy-intensive and often fail to meet stringent discharge standards, leading to environmental degradation and resource wastage. The sheer volume of wastewater—over 250 billion tons annually entering the Yangtze—exacerbates the problem, necessitating innovative approaches that integrate pollution control with carbon mitigation.
This review systematically addresses these bottlenecks by analyzing wastewater sources and evaluating emerging technologies across materials, equipment, and processes. Emphasis is placed on integrated systems that combine efficient pretreatment, biological enhancement, and multi-technology coupling, which have shown promise in enhancing treatment efficiency while reducing energy consumption and enabling resource recovery. By highlighting these advances, the paper provides a roadmap for achieving near-zero discharge and promoting the green transformation of the petrochemical sector.
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DAI Li, ZENG Lin, ZHOU Penghui, WEI Aosong, TIAN Chengcheng, WANG Hualin (2026). Research Advances in Pollution and Carbon Mitigation Technologies for C5 Petroleum Resin Wastewater Treatment in the Yangtze River Basin. Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology. https://doi.org/10.13205/j.hjgc.202605001
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main challenges in treating C5 petroleum resin wastewater, and how do integrated processes address them?
The wastewater contains high concentrations of refractory organic compounds and has high salinity, making conventional biological treatment inefficient. Integrated processes, such as combining catalytic ozonation with biological treatment, enhance the degradation of recalcitrant pollutants, improving overall COD removal efficiency and reducing energy consumption compared to standalone methods.
How does the carbon emission reduction potential of these advanced treatment technologies compare to traditional methods?
Advanced oxidation processes and membrane technologies can achieve higher pollutant removal with lower energy input per unit of COD removed. For instance, catalytic ozonation can mineralize organic pollutants more completely, reducing sludge production and associated greenhouse gas emissions. However, a full life-cycle assessment is needed to quantify net carbon savings.
What are the scalability bottlenecks for implementing these technologies in industrial settings?
Scalability issues include high capital and operational costs, membrane fouling, and the need for skilled operation. For example, nanofiltration membranes require frequent cleaning and replacement, increasing maintenance costs. Pilot-scale studies are essential to optimize operating parameters and assess long-term stability.
Can these technologies achieve 'near-zero discharge' in C5 petroleum resin production?
Yes, with proper integration of pretreatment, biological treatment, and advanced polishing steps like membrane filtration and AOPs, it is possible to recycle a significant portion of treated water and recover valuable byproducts. However, achieving absolute zero discharge requires further innovation in concentrate treatment and resource recovery.
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