Effect of substituents in the aromatic nucleus on the biodegradation behavior of alkylaryl sulfonates

Abstract

Taking the results of methylene blue analysis as a yardstick for biodegradability, substituents in the benzene ring of linear alkylaryl sulfonates (CHa, C2H5, OH) greatly deteriorate the aerobic biodegradation characteristics of these products: adaptation time, amount of hard residue, and, to a lesser extent, rate of biodegradation. Replacement of one long alkyl chain by two short ones of the same total length also retards biodegradation. When the benzene ring is replaced by a thiophene ring, adaptation is improved.