Process for destruction of nitro-hydroxy-aromatic compounds in aqueous media

A process for removing organic compounds, including nitro-hydroxy-aromatic compounds and amines, from alkaline wastewater, and in particular from wastewater generated in the production of nitrobenzene, dinitrobenzene, nitrotoluene and dinitrotoluene. The process involves distilling the alkaline wastewater steam at or near atmospheric pressure until it is concentrated five to twenty-five fold. The distillate includes water, which may be discharged to the environment, subjected to biological treatment, or recycled for use in the production process; and volatile organics, which are phase separated from the aqueous portion of the distillate and which may be recycled to the crude product stream. The concentrated residue from the distillation may be incinerated or subjected to biological treatment.