Abstract
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 oxide/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. © ASCE.
Recommended Citation
C. D. Adams et al., "Biodegradation of Nonionic Surfactants and Effects of Oxidative Pretreatment," Journal of Environmental Engineering, vol. 122, no. 6, pp. 477 - 483, article no. 9604, American Society of Civil Engineers, Jan 1996.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9372(1996)122:6(477)
Department(s)
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Second Department
Chemistry
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0733-9372
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 1996
