Environmental and Human Safety of Major Surfactants

The book summarizes and reviews the environmental and human safety of two classes of nonionic surfactants-alcohol ethoxylates (AE) and alkylphenol ethoxylates (APE). This unique resource contains critical data from published sources as well as from unpublished studies submitted by Soap and Detergent Association member companies. It reviews information on product chemistry and analysis, biodegradation, environmental levels (including fate and distribution), aquatic toxicity, and human safety. Recently developed analytical techniques for the extraction, separation, detection, and measurement of nonionic surfactants and their metabolites in environmental samples are described. Results of biodegradation studies performed with a variety of test systems are tabulated, as are results of field studies at wastewater treatment plants. Reported comparisons of environmental levels with results of acute and chronic aquatic toxicity tests are provided. The information on the toxicity and irritation potential of AE and APE surfactants includes data from in vitro, mammalian, and human studies.

Sylvia. S. Talmage (Author)

Chemistry and Manufacture, Product CAS Identification, Environmental Levels, Analytical Methods, Water Quality Standards, Nonionic Surfactants in Natural Bodies of Water, Biodegradation, Laboratory Investigations, Field Studies, Effect of Chemical Structure, Effect of Environmental Variables, Metabolic Pathways of Biodegradation, Environmental Toxicology, Aquatic Toxicity, Effects on Microorganisms, Effects on Higher Plants, Mode of Action, Human Safety, Animal Studies, Human Studies