Stoichiometry and kinetic of the aerobic oxidation of phenolic compounds by activated sludge

► Study of the aerobic degradation of several phenolic compounds by activated sludge. ► Biodegradation rate: catechol > phenol >> pyrogallol ≅ resorcinol > hydroquinone. ► Toxicity: pyrogallol >> catechol ≅ resorcinol >> phenol > hydroquinone. ► Oxidation coefficients are reported. ► The role of some enzymes involved in the degradation pathways is discussed.