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Biodegradation of synthetic detergents evaluation by community trials Part 2: Alcohol and alkylphenol ethoxylates
Author(s) -
Mann A. H.,
Reid V. W.
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
journal of the american oil chemists' society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.512
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1558-9331
pISSN - 0003-021X
DOI - 10.1007/bf02609284
Subject(s) - alkylphenol , biodegradation , effluent , trickling filter , chemistry , aeration , environmental chemistry , activated sludge , sewage treatment , environmental science , organic chemistry , environmental engineering , alkyl
The biodegradability of ethoxylates based on synthetic primary alcohols and on iso‐octylphenol has been evaluated by field trials with a trickling filter sewage treatment plant serving a small community. Ethoxylates based on synthetic alcohols showed good biodegradability in the trickling filter even in winter. This is in line with laboratory tests. Effluents were practically nonfoaming and on further aeration an ultimate biodegradability of 99% was achieved. Ethoxylates based on iso‐octylphenol biodegraded in winter to an extent of some 20% only. In summer, values as high as 80% were obtained. In general however ethoxylates of this type cannot be considered biodegradable. Effluents showed a considerable tendency to foam even under summer conditions.