Biodegradation of nonionic surfactants and effects of oxidative pretreatment

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Journal of Environmental Engineering

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9372(1996)122:6(477)· OSTI ID:260447

Adams, C D ^[1]; Spitzer, S ^[2]; Cowan, R M ^[3]

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1. Univ. of Missouri, Rolla, MO (United States)
2. Law Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc., Kennesaw, GA (United States)
3. Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, NJ (United States). Dept. of Environmental Science

The aerobic biodegradability of nonionic, ethoxylated surfactants and model compounds, and the effect of advanced oxidation pretreatment on the biodegradability of the biorefractory surfactants were examined. Bioassays conducted using a mixed microbial seed showed that the linear primary alcohol ethoxylates, the fatty acid ethoxylates, and also polyethylene glycol were all degradable. The biomineralization of the linear secondary alcohol ethoxylate, ethylene/propylene oxide block copolymer, and alkylphenol ethoxylate was observed to be inhibited to varying degrees. Additional bioassays were conducted on model compounds to examine the effect of specific structural components on biodegradability. Advanced oxidation pretreatment using hydrogen peroxide in combination with ozone was highly effective at enhancing the biodegradability of both the linear secondary alcohol ethoxylate and the ethylene oxide/propylene oxide surfactants. Advanced oxidation was not effective, however, at enhancing the biodegradability of alkylphenol ethoxylate with the oxidant dosages used.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 260447
• Journal Information: Journal of Environmental Engineering, Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Engineering Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 122; ISSN 0733-9372; ISSN JOEEDU
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AEROBIC CONDITIONS
BIODEGRADATION
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
OXIDATION
OZONE
SURFACTANTS