Evaluation of Biodegradability and Biodegradation Kinetics for Anionic, Nonionic, and Amphoteric Surfactants
Abstract
The biodegradation kinetics of anionic (sodium laureth sulfate – SLES), amphoteric (disodium cocoamphodiacetate – DSCADA), and nonionic surfactants (polyalcohol ethoxylate – PAE) were assessed in this laboratory study. Similar degradation behavior was observed for all surfactants with only a fraction of the parent compound readily biodegradable. Biodegradation, as estimated by COD removal, was initially (i.e., within 24 h) rapid, however only 40–70% of the surfactant molecules were readily biodegradable. Intrinsic kinetic parameters were successfully quantified for the readily biodegradable component of the surfactant. Inhibition was not observed and microbial kinetics of SLES, DSCADA, and PAE degradation fit the Monod model well. Average μ-S curves were generated for each surfactant. Based on these results, complete degradation of the target surfactants using biological waste treatment would be limited.
Description:10 pages
Date of this Version
July 2007
Identifier
ALS-NSCORT: p71
Publisher Identifier:
Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 183(1-4):177-186
Publisher
Springer Netherlands
ALS NSCORT Project Number
Project 6 - Bio-Regenerative Environmental Treatment for Health-air and water (BREATHe 1)
Project Lead
M. Katherine Banks
Language
English
ALS NSCORT Series
Published Materials
Administrative Contact
Dave Kotterman, dkotter@purdue.edu
Rights
Copyright 2006 Springer Netherlands. For more information please visit the publisher's home page at: http://www.springer.com
Access
This article is not available through e-pubs. Purdue Libraries have a hard copy of the journal in the Life Sciences Library (call number: 628.505 W291). Current Purdue University Faculty, Staff and Students may also access the full-text, electronic version of the article at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11270-007-9367-3