Full formScience
AOXstands forAdsorbable Organic Halides
Full Form of AOX
What is AOX?
Adsorbable Organic Halides (AOX) refer to a group of organic compounds that contain one or more halogen atoms (chlorine, bromine, or iodine) and can be adsorbed from water onto activated carbon. AOX is a key pollution parameter used to measure the total amount of halogenated organic substances in water and wastewater. These compounds are often byproducts from industries such as pulp and paper, textile dyeing, pharmaceuticals, and pesticide manufacturing. In India, AOX monitoring is mandated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for certain industrial effluents to ensure compliance with environmental standards. The test involves passing a water sample through an activated carbon column, then combusting the carbon and measuring the halogens. AOX is significant because many halogenated organics are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. Understanding AOX is important for students pursuing environmental engineering, chemistry, or civil engineering, as it appears in competitive exams like GATE, IES, and state pollution control board recruitment tests. The parameter helps in assessing the efficiency of wastewater treatment processes and in designing pollution control strategies.
AOX का फुल फॉर्म
अवशोषणीय कार्बनिक हैलाइड्स
Example
The textile mill installed an advanced treatment system to reduce AOX levels in its discharge from 15 mg/L to below the CPCB limit of 2 mg/L.
AOX — frequently asked questions
What is the full form of AOX?
The full form of AOX is Adsorbable Organic Halides. It is a water quality parameter measuring the total halogenated organic compounds in water.
Why is AOX important in Indian industries?
AOX is important because many industries like pulp and paper, textiles, and pharmaceuticals discharge halogenated organics that are toxic and persistent. The CPCB sets AOX limits to protect water bodies and human health.
How is AOX measured in water samples?
AOX is measured by adsorbing organic halides from a water sample onto activated carbon, then burning the carbon and determining the halogen content using microcoulometry or ion chromatography.