Separation of organic compounds from surfactant solutions: A review

This review summarizes the recent development in separation of emulsified organic compounds from surfactant solutions for surfactant reuse and/or surfactant-contaminant disposal. Three major principles have been employed for separating organic compounds and/or surfactants, from aqueous solutions, namely, organic compound inter-phase mass transfer, surfactant micelle removal, and manipulation of surfactant solution phase behavior. Details of these principles and their applications are discussed, with the advantages and limitations of each separation method compared. Separation based on mass transfer of the organic compounds into a secondary phase is currently more practical than the others. Finally, two major issues requiring further research are identified.