Low-molecular weight alcohols are extensively used in the production processes of enterprises of various profiles. For example, ethylene glycol is widely used in the chemical, automotive, oil and gas, aviation, pharmaceutical, textile, tobacco, perfume and leather industries.
As a result, various concentrations of these substances are found in industrial and surface wastewater. Airfield surface wastewater containing de-icing liquids composed of ethylene glycol should be singled out separately. Generally, low-molecular weight alcohols are toxic and pose a threat to the ecosystem.