The anaerobic degradation of detergent range fatty alcohol ethoxylates. Studies with 14C-labelled model surfactants
Steber, J; Wierich, P
HERO ID
4944275
Reference Type
Journal Article
Year
1987
Language
English
| HERO ID | 4944275 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 1987 |
| Title | The anaerobic degradation of detergent range fatty alcohol ethoxylates. Studies with 14C-labelled model surfactants |
| Authors | Steber, J; Wierich, P |
| Journal | Water Research |
| Volume | 21 |
| Issue | 6 (Jun 1987) |
| Page Numbers | 661-667 |
| Abstract | The anaerobic degradation of fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers was studied in a model sludge digester employing stearyl alcohol ethoxylate which was super(14)C-labelled either in the alkyl or in the heptaglycol chain. After 4-weeks' incubation of the super(14)C-compounds at 35 degree C in the presence of raw sludge as additional digestible substrate more than 80% of the initial radioactivity was found as methane and carbon dioxide. In addition, the major part of radioactivity in the digested sludge, corresponding to nearly 10% of added super(14)C, was attributable to biomass so that ultimate degradation of the two model surfactants amounted to more than 90%. Analysis of the small fraction of radiolabelled metabolites in the sludge supernatant allowed conclusions with regard to the anaerobic degradation route of linear alcohol ethoxylates. After primary biodegradation of the surfactant molecule by scission into the alkyl and poly(ethylene glycol) moieties the further biodegradation of the latter seems to proceed as under aerobic conditions, i.e. via oxidative or hydrolytic depolymerization steps. Eventually, ultimate biodegradation of the obtained monomers (C sub(2)-units) leads to the formation of the gaseous end products.(DBO) |
| Doi | 10.1016/0043-1354(87)90076-5 |
| Url | https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/0043135487900765 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |
| Keyword | anaerobic digestion; detergents; surfactants; biodegradation; sludge; fate of pollutants |
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