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Title: Linear alkylbenzenes in urban riverine environments in Tokyo: distribution, source, and behavior

Journal Article · · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00163a005· OSTI ID:5654578

The distribution of linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) and linear alkylbenzenesulfonates (LASs) in river sediments, suspended river particles, domestic wastes, and waste effluents around the Tokyo city area was investigated. LABs as well as LASs with alkyl carbon chain lengths in the range from 10 to 14 were found in all environmental samples and LAS-type synthetic detergents examined. These results indicate that LABs are carried into aquatic environments as a result of the use of synthetic detergents around the Tokyo metropolitan area. Further results are (1) LABs in urban river sediments originate predominantly from untreated domestic wastes, final effluents contributing only a minor portion of the LABs in sediments, (2) the isomeric composition of the LABs changes systematically during biodegradation, and (3) the ratio of LAS to LAB decreases as follows: commercial synthetic detergents > suspended particles in domestic wastes > river sediments > Tokyo Bay sediments.

Research Organization:
Tokyo Metropolitan Univ., Japan
OSTI ID:
5654578
Journal Information:
Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Vol. 21:9
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English