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The Persistence and Biological Effects of Surface Active Agents in Soil
Author(s) -
Ivarson K. C.,
Pramer D.
Publication year - 1956
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1956.03615995002000030020x
Subject(s) - cationic polymerization , persistence (discontinuity) , adsorption , environmental chemistry , chemistry , nitrification , decomposition , organic chemistry , geology , nitrogen , geotechnical engineering
Abstract Though surface active agents gain access to soil through agricultural sprays, little is known of their persistence and biological effects. Studies were made with the following surface active agents: (1) Tween 80 (non‐ionic); (2) Ceepryn (cationic); (3) Nacconol NRSF (anionic). Tween 80 decomposed rapidly in soil. Ceepryn was also decomposed following an initial lag period. Nacconol NRSF resisted decomposition. Tween 80 had little or no undesirable biological effects in soil. At very high levels, Ceepryn reduced the total number of micro‐organisms in soil and inhibited nitrification. Nacconol NRSF was more detrimental than Ceepryn. It is suggested that the toxicity of ionic surface active agents is reduced as a result of adsorption by the colloidal fraction of soil. The cationic compound was adsorbed to a greater extent than the anionic compound.