Biodegradation of synthetic detergents evaluation by community trials part 3: Primary alcohol sulphates

Abstract

The biodegradability of primary alcohol sulphates derived from a coconut alcohol and from a synthetic alcohol (Dobanol 25 -Shell trademark, known as Ncodol in the U.S. and Canada) has been evaluated by field trials with a trickling-filter sewage treatment plant serving a srrall community. Both these materials showed a high order of biodegradability, average values in the 96-98% region being obtained. On aeration of effluents in the laboratory further degradation to 99% was achieved with both alcohol sulphates. Effluents containing only residues of either alcohol sulphate were practically nonfoaming.