Degradation of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate in soil columns

Abstract

Abstract-This study investigated the ability of a microbial community to degrade linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) in soil columns under water-saturated conditions. The microbial mineralization of LAS was further studied in a batch experiment using pre-exposed and unexposed soil as well as soil from the inlet and outlet of the columns. The LAS (4 mg/L) was added continuously to the columns. Three pulses of 14 C-labeled LAS ( 14 C-dodecyl-[6]-benzene sulfonate) were added at intervals of 2 weeks, and the mineralization was measured as production of 14 CO 2 . The primary degradation of LAS was close to 100% in the columns, whereas the mineralization of the 14 C-labeled compound reached only 9%. The degradation products of LAS proved to be significantly less sorbtive than LAS itself. In the batch experiment, mineralization of LAS occurred in unexposed soil after a short lag phase. The mineralization proved to be more dependent on a high representation of biomass than on previous exposure to LAS.

Health effects, environmental impacts, and photochemical degradation of selected surfactants in water

“…It was also determined that the biodegradation of LAS was faster under fully oxygenated laboratory conditions than that of in the field [24]. The primary degradation of LAS in soil columns under water-saturated conditions was close to 100% while mineralization only occurred up to 9% [59].…”

Photolytic and Photocatalytic Treatment of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate in Water

“…The rate o f surfactant degradation was enhanced by adding nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and oxygen. Branner et al (1999) studied the degradation o f LAS in soil columns under water-saturated conditions. It was found that primary degradation was close to 100% while mineralization only occurred up to 9%.…”