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Biodegradation of glycol ethers in soil
Author(s) -
Gonsior Stanley J.,
West Robert J.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1002/etc.5620140803
Subject(s) - biodegradation , chemistry , loam , environmental chemistry , soil water , organic chemistry , degradation (telecommunications) , environmental science , soil science , telecommunications , computer science
Because of the widespread use of glycol ethers in applications ranging from consumer products to use as chemical intermediates, there is a need to better understand the fate of these compounds in the environment. Soil biodegradation studies were conducted for three propylene glycolethers: 1‐methoxy‐2‐propanol, 1‐phenoxy‐2‐propanol, and 1‐methoxy‐2‐propanol acetate. The test compounds were labeled with carbon‐14 at either the methoxy or phenoxy substituents. Biodegradation of the three compounds was observed in two sandy loam soils. The time required for disappearance of 50% of the test compounds ranged from <1 d at 0.2 ppm (w/w) to <7 d at 107 ppm. Degradation rates were slower in a sandy soil, reflecting the lower concentration of microorganisms present. No significant accumulation of intermediate products was observed, and ultimate yields of 14 CO 2 were in the range of 40 to 65% of the initial concentration. Results indicated that the glycol ethers were degraded in a variety of soils under aerobic conditions.