Impact of various surfactant classes on the microorganism community used for WWTP biodegradation treatment

Abstract

Environmental pollution is an important issue influencing human health and environmental equilibrium. The range of pollutants is very wide due to industrialization and population growth and the surfactants are one of the most common organic pollutants due to their extensive use and ubiquitous presence from industry to households. Their massive presence in the domestic and industrial wastewater could affect the Wastewater treatment plants by inhibiting the activated sludge used in pollutants biodegradation treatment step. This paper aimed to study the inhibition effect of three classes of surfactants (nonionic, anionic, and cationic) by measuring the respiratory activity of microorganisms with the application of the Oxygen Uptake Rate (OUR) test. This study established that the surfactants could activate or inhibit microorganisms’ activity, depending on surfactant concentration.

A comprehensive review on removal of environmental pollutants using a surfactant based remediation process

“…24 The hydrophilic and hydrophobic components of anionic, cationic, amphoteric, and nonionic surfactants differ depending on the type of surfactant, giving rise to a variety of features and functions. 34 Amphoteric surfactants have both positive and negative charges in their hydrophilic moieties, making them a hybrid of cationic and anionic surfactants. 34 Surfactant function and application types are greatly influenced by their structural makeup.…”

“…34 Amphoteric surfactants have both positive and negative charges in their hydrophilic moieties, making them a hybrid of cationic and anionic surfactants. 34 Surfactant function and application types are greatly influenced by their structural makeup. Their level of ionization and critical micelle concentration (CMC) depend on the availability of groups that don't like water and counterions.…”