Biodegradability of branched alkylbenzene sulphonates

Abstract

Branched alkylbenzene sulphonates (ABS) widely used surfactants in the 1950s and early 1960s were subsequently replaced by linear forms in response to evidence that the former are recalcitrant. Though banned in most countries, the use of branched ABS is still widespread in developing countries. In addition to being recalcitrant, they are xenobiotic and, in nature, the biodegradation process of these surfactants requires a lengthy period. This review elaborates the available information on the biodegradation of the branched ABS in relation to their chemical stability, degradation processes, stages of acclimatisation and the microorganisms involved.

Degradation of industrial surfactants by photocatalysis combined with ozonation

“…While LASs compounds were found to be biodegradable enough (Takada and Ishiwatari 1990;Hashim et al 1992), aromatic sulfonates without long alkyl side chains proved to be biorecalcitrant (Cain 1981). Benzene-and naphthalenesulfonates with sulfo, nitro and amino groups are characterized by especially low biodegradability (Brilon et al 1981;Zürrer et al 1987;Wittich et al 1988).…”

Degradation of benzenesulfonate by heterogeneous photocatalysis combined with ozonation

“…This phenomenon can be partly attributed to the hindered formation of HO  radicals from 243 ozone because in these reactions ozonide ions are in protonated form (see reactions (5)(6)(7)(8)). 244…”

Functional genomics analysis of n-alkyl sulfates toxicity in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

“…Due to the resemblance of AS to fatty acids, yeast may metabolize AS via the fatty acid β-oxidation pathway in the peroxisome. Indeed, others (23,24) have reported that metabolism of n-alkyl sulfates-based surfactants such as LAS (linear alkyl benzene sulfonates) begins via oxidation of the terminal methyl group of the alkyl chain (ω-and β oxidation) (25).…”