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Biodegradation of anionic and nonionic surfactants under aerobic and anaerobic conditions
Author(s) -
Wayman C. H.,
Robertson J. B.
Publication year - 1963
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.260050410
Subject(s) - biodegradation , chemistry , alkylphenol , pulmonary surfactant , linear alkylbenzene , nonionic surfactant , sulfonate , alkyl , organic chemistry , surface tension , tributyrin , aeration , sodium , biochemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , lipase , enzyme
Because branched‐chain alkyl benzene sulfonate (ABS) is well known to create water pollution problems in surface water and ground water, a study was made on the biodegradation of this surfactant along with other anionic and nonionic surfactants in detergents by water bacteria. Biodegradation was evaluated by the conventional river die‐away test employing the methylene‐blue method or surface‐tension techniques as analytical tools. Under anaerobic conditions, sugar detergents (sucrose esters) seem to be an ultimate solution to water problems created by branched‐chain ABS; in aerated water, straight‐chain ABS, sulfo tallow methyl esters, and nonionic surfactants are preferable to branched‐chain ABS to improve water problems.