Environmental and Human Safety of Major Surfactants

<p>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 This unique resource contains critical data from published sources as well as from unpublished studies submitted by Soap and Detergent Association member companies.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. <br>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.</p> IntroductionBackgroundChemistry and ManufactureProduct CAS IdentificationReferencesEnvironmental LevelsAnalytical MethodsWater Quality StandardsNonionic Surfactants in Natural Bodies of WaterReferencesBiodegradationLaboratory InvestigationsField StudiesEffect of Chemical StructureEffect of Environmental VariablesMetabolic Pathways of BiodegradationReferencesEnvironmental ToxicologyAquatic ToxicityEffects on MicroorganismsEffects on Higher PlantsMode of ActionReferencesHuman SafetyAnimal StudiesHuman StudiesReferencesAppendixReferences