Phenol

Wastewater

Aquatic ecosystem

Ecology

Biology

Aquatic environment

Aquatic toxicology

Phenols

Environmental engineering

Organic chemistry

Ecotoxicology

Toxicity

Environmental chemistry

Environmental science

Ecotoxicity

Chemistry

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

With the development of industrial production and continuous demand for chemicals, a large volume of wastewater containing phenols was discharged into the aquatic environment. Moreover, chemical leakage further increased the emission of phenols into aquatic systems. Phenol and its methylated derivative (cresols) were selected due to their extensive use in industry and ecotoxicity to freshwater and marine organisms. This review focused on the ecotoxicity of phenol and m-, o-, and p-cresol on aquatic systems. The mechanism of action of phenols was also discussed. The aim of this literature review was to summarise the knowledge of the behaviour, and toxicity on marine and freshwater organisms, of phenols as well as to try to select a series of sensitive biomarkers suitable for ecotoxicological assessment and environmental monitoring in aquatic environments.

Ecotoxicity of phenol and cresols to aquatic organisms: A review