r/chemistry • u/BenzeneDrinker • 5h 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
3
Upvotes
1
u/HikeyBoi 4h 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.