Aquatic toxicity from pulp and paper mill effluents: a review

Effluents from pulp and paper mills are highly toxic and are a major source of aquatic pollution. More than 250 chemicals have been identified in effluents which are produced at different stages of papermaking. Their toxic nature is derived from the presence of several naturally occurring and xenobiotic compounds which are formed and released during various stages of papermaking. This article reviews the origins and effects of major pollutants present in pulp and paper mill effluents. The progress made in their reduction/elimination via aerobic, anaerobic and abiotic routes, as well as further scope, is also discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.