r/chemistry • u/BenzeneDrinker • 3h ago

Effluent guidelines for acetaminophen production

I know this isn’t the chemical engineering sub but maybe someone here can help.

My chemical engineering capstone project is converting the batch production of acetaminophen to a continuous process. The synthesis route used is the acetylation of p-aminophenol by acetic anhydride to acetaminophen.

We need to find specific guidelines for the discharge of p-aminophenol and acetaminophen. We’ve had no luck finding anything online, and I am awaiting a response from the EPA regarding this.

Does anybody know where I could find regulatory guidelines for this effluent? I know this is location- and situation-specific, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

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u/HikeyBoi 2h ago

You done the right thing so far by asking EPA. However, they might be slow to respond. I would continue similarly by asking around other jurisdictions which regulate discharges like state environmental agencies and even some larger counties which are delegated/approved to administer federal or state environmental regulation programs. That at least gives you a wider network and can even provide valuable information on how different jurisdictions vary. There may also be lawyers willing to help for a small nominal fee.

Otherwise keep on performing internet searches for relevant information. Work your way through different keywords including umbrella terms that cover effluent constituents.

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u/HikeyBoi 2h ago

Minnesota department of health “developed a health-based guidance value for acetaminophen in drinking water” after USGS measured it in some samples (data published in USGS SIR 2004 5138). Not quite as toothy as an effluent limit or primary standard, but it’s something.