This review explores the implementation of cold plasma technology as an advanced oxidation process for removing phenol from industrial wastewater, specifically within the context of Iraqi oil refineries. Traditional methods like biological treatment, adsorption, and chemical oxidation are compared against non-thermal plasma, which uses reactive species to break down pollutants more efficiently without producing toxic byproducts. The text evaluates critical operational factors, including applied voltage, gas flow rates, and treatment duration, to determine how these variables influence degradation performance. While the technology demonstrates high removal rates, the authors identify energy efficiency and industrial scaling as primary hurdles for widespread adoption. Ultimately, the research positions dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) systems as a sustainable and potent alternative to antiquated refinery infrastructure. Significant emphasis is placed on the need for standardized metrics to better assess the economic and technical feasibility of plasma-based systems on a global scale.