Influence of water hardness on the bioavailability and toxicity of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS)

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate threats to surface waters at the national scale: A neglected traditional pollutant

Freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem services might decline due to exposure to chemicals. However, researchers have devoted much attention to the potential risks of emerging contaminants, while placing less effort on historical pollutants, such as the surfactant, linear-alkylbenzene-sulfonate (LAS), which is a major component of widely used synthetic detergents worldwide. In this study, a multilevel risk assessment approach was used to assess risks posed by LAS to aquatic organisms, on a wide spatial scale, based on various assessment endpoints. Additionally, bottom-up approaches were used to assess contributions of LAS source discharges to aquatic environments. Concentrations of LAS in surface waters of China ranged from less than the limit of detection to 14,200 μg/L. The predicted no effect concentration (PNEC) based on adverse effects on reproduction is 15 μg/L, which is slightly less than the PNEC based on other endpoints. 99% of surface waters in Chaohu Lake and the Hai River (Ch: Haihe) were predicted to pose a risk to growth of aquatic organisms, with a protection threshold of 5% of species (HC₅). Discharges of LAS were estimated using activity data and emission factors for 280 major cities in the basin. Rural domestic sources were the main source of LAS to surface waters. These outcomes provided a process for developing comprehensive management and control approaches to help researchers and policymakers effectively manage water resources affected by increasing concentrations of LAS.

Effect of individual or combined physical and chemical factors on the anaerobic biodegradation of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate

The effect of six important factors on the anaerobic biodegradation of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) was evaluated using a response surface methodology. The factors were: (i) co-substrate concentration (CC), (ii) contact time between LAS and microorganisms, (iii) temperature, (iv) hardness, (v) pH, and (vi) LAS source. The results showed that individually or combined, CC with chemical oxygen demand (COD) ≤50 mg L^-1 was the factor that mostly favoured LAS biodegradation; whereas at COD >50 mg L^-1, adsorption to sludge and solubilisation in the aqueous medium were favoured. Two-factor interactions promoted the highest percentages of biodegradation (45-52%), adsorption (43-45%), and solubilisation (18-25%). The three-factor interactions resulted in small percentage increases of up to 11%, 5%, and 13% for biodegradation, adsorption, and solubilisation, respectively, compared to those of two-factor interactions. The interactions of four, five, and six factors resulted in a non-significant effect on LAS biodegradation, adsorption, and solubilisation, with percentages close to those quantified for the two- and three-factor interactions. Concentrations of up to 30 mg LAS L^-1 did not significantly affect the COD removal efficiency (74-88%) from the medium. These values are commonly obtained in full-scale anaerobic systems used to treat domestic sewage.

Ecotoxicological impacts caused by high demand surfactants in Latin America and a technological and innovative perspective for their substitution

Nowadays, water pollution represents a great concern due to population growth, industrialization, and urbanization. Every day hazardous chemical products for humans and aquatic organisms are disposed of arbitrarily from homes and industries. Even though detergents are considered an essential market, there is evidence of environmental impacts caused by surfactants like nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE) and linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS). Regulations about maximum allowable concentrations in sewage, surface water, and drinking water are scarce or null, mostly in developing countries like Latin American countries. Therefore, this review explores these two common toxic surfactants (NPE and LAS) and proposes a technological, innovative, and ecological perspective on detergents. Also, it establishes a starting point for industries to minimize adverse effects on humans and environmental health caused by these compounds.

Oryzias sinensis, a new model organism in the application of eco-toxicity and water quality criteria (WQC)

Fish play an important role as a primary eco-toxicity test organism in environmental hazard assessment. Toxicity data of native species are often sought for use in the derivation of water quality criteria (WQC). The Chinese medaka, Oryzias sinensis, is an endemic species of China. The acute toxicity of 6 chemicals on O. sinensis was tested in this work, and toxicity effect of 10 chemicals to O. sinensis was compared with 4 commonly used species globally. A total of 9 robust interspecies correlation estimation (ICE) models using O. sinensis as the surrogate species were constructed and used to derive predicted no effect concentration and hazardous concentrations of 5% species (HC₅) values based on species sensitivity distribution. Results showed that the 96 h median lethal concentration of Hg²⁺, Cr⁶⁺, linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, triclosan, 3,4-dchloroaniline, sodium chloride to O. sinensis were 0.29, 50, 6.0, 0.63, 9.2 and 14,400 mg/L, respectively. The sensitivity of O. sinensis and other 4 testing organisms were statistically indistinguishable (P > 0.05). No significant difference among HC₅-ICE, HC₅-measured and HC₅ from published literatures was identified. All results indicated the O. sinensis is a potential model organism in the application of eco-toxicity and WQC in China and other Asian countries.

Quantitative Structure-activity Relationships; Studying the Toxicity of Metal Nanoparticles

Background:

Metal nanomaterials are widely used in various fields, including targeted therapy and diagnosis. They are extensively used in targeted drug delivery and local treatments. However, the toxicity associated with these materials could lead to severe adverse health effects.

Methods:

In this study, we investigated the relationships between the toxicity and structures of metal nanoparticles by using theoretical calculations and quantitative structure-activity relationships. Twenty four physicochemical descriptors and toxicity data of 23 types of metal nanoparticles were selected as samples, and a multiple linear regression model was established to obtain a toxicity prediction equation with 5 descriptors with an R2 of 0.910. Structures of copper nanoparticles were designed based on the model, and the structure with low toxicity was searched. The multiple nonlinear regression model was used to further improve the prediction accuracy.

Results:

The R2 values were 0.995 in the training set and 0.988 in the test set, which indicated that the prediction accuracy improved. Based on the result of multiple linear regression, we designed copper nanoparticles with low toxicity.

Conclusion:

The study confirmed that the quantitative structure-activity relationship was a reasonable method for predicting the toxicity and designing the structures with low toxicity of metal nanoparticles.

Neonicotinoids: Spreading, Translocation and Aquatic Toxicity

Various environmental and ecotoxicological aspects related to applications of neonicotinoid insecticides are assessed. Dosages of neonicotinoids applied in seed coating materials were determined and are compared to other applications (spray and granule). Environmental levels in soils and affecting factors in translocation are discussed. Excretion of neonicotinoids via guttation from coated maize seeds up to two months upon emergence, as well as cross-contamination of plants emerged from non-coated seeds or weeds nearby have been demonstrated. Contamination of surface waters is discussed in scope of a worldwide review and the environmental fate of the neonicotinoid active ingredients and the formulating surfactant appeared to be mutually affected by each other. Toxicity of neonicotinoid active ingredients and formulations on Daphnia magna completed with some investigations of activity of the detoxifying glutathione S-transferase enzyme demonstrated the modified toxicity due to the formulating agents. Electrophysiological results on identified central neurons of the terrestrial snail Helixpomatia showed acetylcholine antagonist (inhibitory) effects of neonicotinoid insecticide products, but no agonist (ACh-like) effects were recorded. These data also suggested different molecular targets (nicotinergic acetylcholine receptors and acetylcholine esterase enzyme) of neonicotinoids in the snail central nervous system.

Aquatic toxicity and loss of linear alkylbenzenesulfonates alone and in a neonicotinoid insecticide formulation in surface water

Substance losses of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LASs) in a neat surfactant mixture, in an insecticide formulation Mospilan 20 SG, and in solutions with different neonicotinoid active ingredients (AIs) was studied in distilled water and in surface water samples originated from River Danube. Analytical measurements were performed both by HPLC-UV and commercial ELISA methods. Loss rates of LASs were found different in these aqueous matrices, with decomposition rates higher for the neat surfactant mixture than for Mospilan 20 SG (nearly 2- and 9-fold in distilled water and in surface water from River Danube, respectively). Half-lives determined in surface water from River Danube were shown to be affected by the presence of neonicotinoid AIs thiacloprid > imidacloprid > acetamiprid (ACE), while clothianidin and thiamethoxam did not affect LAS decomposition. Aquatic toxicity of Mospilan 20 SG, along with that of its AI ACE and co-formulant LAS, as well as the mixture of ACE and LAS was also investigated in the 48-h acute immobilisation assay on the water flea (Daphnia magna) aquatic indicator organism. LAS appeared to be significantly (8-fold) more toxic in the D. magna test than ACE, and the toxicity of the formulated insecticide was found to be 1.3 and 19.6 times higher than explained by its AI and LAS content, respectively, indicating synergistic toxicity. The strongest synergy between ACE and LASs was observed, when the neat forms of the two substances were applied in combination at concentrations equivalent to those in Mospilan 20 SG.

Toxicity of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate to aquatic plant Potamogeton perfoliatus L

Aquatic plants play an important role in maintaining the health of water environment in nature. Studies have shown that linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), a type of omnipresent pollutant, can cause toxic damage to aquatic plants. In the present research, we studied the physiological and growth response of submerged plant Potamogeton perfoliatus L. to different concentrations of LAS (0.1, 1.0, 10.0, 20.0, and 50.0 mg l^-1). The results showed that LAS is toxic to P. perfoliatus, and the toxicity is dose-dependent. Only slightly reversible oxidative damages were observed in the physiological parameters of P. perfoliatus when P. perfoliatus was exposed to lower LAS doses (< 10 mg l^-1): soluble sugar, soluble protein, H₂O₂, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in P. perfoliatus increased significantly at 0.1 mg l^-1 and then returned to normal levels at 1.0 mg l^-1. Antioxidant enzymes were activated before the LAS concentration reached 10 mg l^-1, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and photosynthesis pigment content declined significantly when the concentration of LAS exceeded 10 mg l^-1. In addition, at higher concentrations (20-50 mg l^-1) of LAS, dry weight and fresh weight of P. perfoliatus showed significant declines. The results indicate that LAS above 10 mg l^-1 can cause serious physiological and growth damage to P. perfoliatus.

Effects of Seasonal Changes on the Toxic Impacts of Oil Sands Process-Affected Water on Daphnia magna

Oil sands process-affected water (OSPW), which can be potentially toxic to aquatic biota, is a major by-product of bitumen mining in northern Alberta. The effects of environmental factors on the toxicity of OSPW are understudied. In the present study, the impacts of seasonal changes in water quality on the toxic effects of OSPW (1 and 10%) on Daphnia magna was examined. Animals were chronically exposed to OSPW under conditions that represented water quality of a cold or warm seasonal condition. At each seasonal scenario survival, growth (length and mass) and reproduction of exposed D. magna were investigated. Survival and length of D. magna were only affected by OSPW in the cold-season treatment. Exposure to OSPW reduced the mass of D. magna in both cold and warm season scenarios. Daphnia magna in the cold-season treatment did not reproduce or produce eggs during the course of the experiment. The results of the present study suggest that seasonal changes in water quality may alter the toxicity of OSPW on D. magna.

Authorization and Toxicity of Veterinary Drugs and Plant Protection Products: Residues of the Active Ingredients in Food and Feed and Toxicity Problems Related to Adjuvants

Chemical substances applied in animal husbandry or veterinary medicine and in crop protection represent substantial environmental loads, and their residues occur in food and feed products. Product approval is governed differently in these two sectors in the European Union (EU), and the occurrence of veterinary drug (VD) and pesticide residues indicated by contamination notification cases in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed of the EU also show characteristic differences. While the initial high numbers of VD residues reported in 2002 were successfully suppressed to less than 100 cases annually by 2006 and on, the number of notification cases for pesticide residues showed a gradual increase from a low (approximately 50 cases annually) initial level until 2005 to more than 250 cases annually after 2009, with a halt occurring only in 2016. Main notifiers of VD residues include Germany, Belgium, the UK, and Italy (63, 59, 42, and 31 notifications announced, respectively), and main consigning countries of non-compliances are Vietnam, India, China, and Brazil (88, 50, 34, and 23 notifications, respectively). Thus, countries of South and Southeast Asia are considered a vulnerable point with regard to VD residues entering the EU market. Unintended side effects of VDs and plant protection products may be caused not only by the active ingredients but also by various additives in these preparations. Adjuvants (e.g., surfactants) and other co-formulants used in therapeutic agents and feed additives, as well as in pesticide formulations have long been considered as inactive ingredients in the aspects of the required main biological effect of the pharmaceutical or pesticide, and in turn, legal regulations of the approval and marketing of these additives specified significantly less stringent risk assessment requirements, than those specified for the active ingredients. However, numerous studies have shown additive, synergistic, or antagonistic side effects between the active ingredients and their additives in formulated products; moreover, toxicity has been evidenced for various additives. Therefore, toxicological evaluation of surfactants and other additives is essential for proper environmental risk assessment of formulations used in agriculture including animal husbandry and plant protection.

Effects of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) on the interspecific competition between Microcystis and Scenedesmus

The widespread use of detergents increases the concentration of surfactant in lakes and reservoirs. High surfactant loads produces toxicity to algae; however, the influence of the increasing surfactant on the competition between algae is not clear. In this paper, different amounts of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) were added to test the effects of LAS on the competition between Microcystis aeruginosa and Scenedesmus obliquus under eutrophic condition. In single culture, the growth of S. obliquus was promoted under lower LAS concentrations (1 and 20 mg L(-1)), but cell density of S. obliquus reduced when treated with higher LAS concentration (100 mg L(-1)). The growth of M. aeruginosa was inhibited markedly with 20 and 100 mg L(-1) LAS. Compared with single culture, the result was opposite in co-cultures and the cell density of S. obliquus increased significantly when treated with LAS of 1, 20, and 100 mg L(-1). The specific growth rates of S. obliquus and M. aeruginosa in both cultures were 0.4-0.5 day(-1) and 0.6-0.7 day(-1), respectively, except that the specific growth rate of M. aeruginosa in both cultures treated with 100 mg L(-1) LAS was about 0.2 day(-1). M. aeruginosa dominated over S. obliquus in the co-culture without LAS, while the competition was completely opposite with the addition of 20 mg L(-1) LAS. The growth of S. obliquus treated with 20 mg L(-1) LAS was not affected significantly in single culture but was promoted by 75 % in co-culture. Moreover, the growth of S. obliquus in co-culture treated with 100 mg L(-1) LAS was promoted by more than 97 %. These results suggested that the increasing LAS would overturn the competition of algae in freshwater ecosystems.

The scale epithelium as a novel, non-invasive tool for environmental assessment in fish: Testing exposure to linear alkylbenzene sulfonate

Increasing pollution levels have turned our attention to assessing lethal and sublethal effects of toxic agents using the most informative techniques possible. We must seek non-invasive or non-lethal sampling methods that represent an attractive alternative to traditional techniques of environmental assessment in fish. Detergents are amongst the most common contaminants of water bodies, and LAS (Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate) is one of the most used anionic surfactant on the market. Our study analyzed morphological alterations (histological and histochemical) of the scale epithelium of Prochilodus lineatus under exposure to two concentrations of LAS, 3.6mg/L and 0.36mg/L, for a period of 30 days and evaluated at 14, 21 and 30 days. In order to establish morphological analysis of the scale epithelium as a new non-lethal environmental assessment tool that is reliable and comparable to classic methods, the relative sensibility of this technique was compared to a commonly used method of environmental assessment in fish, the estimation of the effects of pollutants upon branchial morphology. Two experiments were carried out, testing animals in tanks, and in individual aquariums. Results of analyses on gill tissue show that exposure to 3.6mg/L of surfactant caused severe damage, including hyperplasia, hypertrophy and fusion at 14 days, with aneurisms at 21 and 30 days; while exposure to 0.36mg/L had lighter effects on the organ, mainly lower incidence of fusion and hyperplasia. Aditionally, scale morphology was altered severely in response to 3.6mg/L of LAS, consistently showing increased mucous and club cell production. Epithelial thickness was the most variable parameter measured. Scale epithelium sensibility has the potential to be a reliable environmental marker for fish species since it has the advantage of being less invasive when compared to traditional methods. However, more studies are required to increase the robustness of the technique before it can be generally applied.

Catanionic drug-derivative nano-objects constructed by chlorambucil and its derivative for efficient leukaemia therapy

A new carrier-free catanionic drug-derivative nano-object strategy is developed for leukaemia therapy. The as-prepared drug-derivative nano-objects are formed by ionic pairs of hydrophobic anticancer drug chlorambucil (CLB) and its derivative N-(2-Amino-ethyl)-4-{4-[bis-(2-chloro-ethyl)-amino]-phenyl}-butyramide (CLBM). The designed drug delivery system has the advantage of 100% drug content without additional carrier materials. The ionic pairs are formed by proton exchange between CLB and CLBM. Due to the amphiphilicity of the ionic pairs, they can assemble into well-defined drug-derivative (CLB-CLBM) nano-objects. Series of techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electrical conductivity are used to investigate the property of the solution and aggregation behaviour of as-prepared drug-derivative ionic pairs. In vitro drug release study of the as-prepared nano-objects shows their prolonged drug release behavior. Specifically, in vitro cytotoxicity results of these nano-objects show obviously higher cytotoxicity, which is promising for clinical efficacy. This study may pave the way for the fabrication of carrier-free drug delivery system with efficient cancer therapy.

Acute toxicity of the cationic surfactant C12-benzalkonium in different bioassays: how test design affects bioavailability and effect concentrations

Using an ion-exchange-based solid-phase microextraction (SPME) method, the freely dissolved concentrations of C12-benzalkonium were measured in different toxicity assays, including 1) immobilization of Daphnia magna in the presence or absence of dissolved humic acid; 2) mortality of Lumbriculus variegatus in the presence or absence of a suspension of Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) sediment; 3) photosystem II inhibition of green algae Chlorella vulgaris; and 4) viability of in vitro rainbow trout gill cell line (RTgill-W1) in the presence or absence of serum proteins. Furthermore, the loss from chemical adsorption to the different test vessels used in these tests was also determined. The C12-benzalkonium sorption isotherms to the different sorbent phases were established as well. Our results show that the freely dissolved concentration is a better indicator of the actual exposure concentration than the nominal or total concentration in most test assays. Daphnia was the most sensitive species to C12-benzalkonium. The acute Daphnia and Lumbriculus tests both showed no enhanced toxicity from possible ingestion of sorbed C12-benzalkonium in comparison with water-only exposure, which is in accordance with the equilibrium partitioning theory. Moreover, the present study demonstrates that commonly used sorbent phases can strongly affect bioavailability and observed effect concentrations for C12-benzalkonium. Even stronger effects of decreased actual exposure concentrations resulting from sorption to test vessels, cells, and sorbent phases can be expected for more hydrophobic cationic surfactants.

Environmental monitoring of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates and physicochemical characteristics of seawater in El-Mex Bay (Alexandria, Egypt)

In the present work, the influence of different physicochemical characteristics on the distribution of anionic detergents, linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), was studied. Surface and bottom water samples were collected from eight different sites from a small bay near the main sewage discharge of Alexandria City (El-Max Bay). The results showed great variations in the concentrations, as a function of the regional and seasonal variations. The study revealed that the pH values lie in the normal side, with a range of 8.0-8.5 inside the bay and 7.5-7.7 at El-Umum Drain effluent. Wide variations, observed between the surface and the bottom water of the bay, salinity, dissolved oxygen, oxidizable organic matter, total hardness, and total alkalinity, were scattered in the ranges (3.33-42.73 practical salinity unit), (0.42-8.27 mg O2/l), (0.12-10.49 mg/l), (1.39-8.99 mg/l), and (0.23-0.48 mg/l), respectively. The regional variations of LAS concentrations in the bay waters showed that the concentration decreased as the distance from the source of drainage water (El-Umum Drain). The seasonal average variations of LAS cleared out that summer and spring periods had the highest concentrations at surface (0.13 ± 0.04 mg LAS/l) and bottom (0.12 ± 0.10 mg LAS/l) layer, which is attributed to increase in population density and human activities. The inverse relationships between total LAS concentration and salinity, dissolved oxygen, and calcium ions concentration are r = -0.78, 0.50, and 0.67, respectively. This is related to the occurrence of the untreated wastewater containing detergents, the biodegradation rate of surfactants, and strong precipitation of LAS as Ca.

Anaerobic Biodegradation of Surfactants – Scientific Review

The anaerobic biodegradation of surfactants is used as an acceptability criterion in some environmental pieces of legislation (eco-label, risk assessment, etc.), without a proper evaluation of the relevance of such a characteristic. Available screening test methods to assess the anaerobic biodegradation do not simulate the real conditions prevailing in these anaerobic compartments but rather reflect more stringent conditions, due to the high test substance/biomass ratio, possibility of inhibitory effects and limited possibility for adaptation. Therefore positive results are indicative of a similar behaviour under environmental conditions, while a negative result cannot be necessarily interpreted as inherent anaerobic recalcitrance. The majority of surfactants entering the environment will be exposed to and degraded under aerobic conditions, and only less than 20 % will potentially reach temporarily anaerobic environmental compartments. In contrast to the well documented adverse effects observed in the absence of aerobic biodegradation, the lack of anaerobic biodegradation does not seem to be correlated with any apparent environmental problem for most compartments after more than 40 years of widely use of such products. The scientific review concluded that anaerobic biodegradability does not have the same environmental relevance as the aerobic one. Anaerobic biodegradability should not, therefore, be used as a pass/fail property for the environmental acceptability of surfactants which are readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions.

Responses and toxin bioaccumulation in duckweed (Lemna minor) under microcystin-LR, linear alkybenzene sulfonate and their joint stress

Microcystin-LR (MCLR) and linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) are commonly found in eutrophic lakes due to toxic cyanobacterial blooms and exogenous organic compounds pollution. However, the ecotoxicological risk of their combination in the aquatic environment is unknown. This study investigated the effects of MCLR, LAS and their mixture on duckweed (Lemna minor) growth and physiological responses. MCLR accumulation in duckweed, with or without LAS, was also examined. Growth of duckweed and chlorophyll-a contents were significantly reduced after 8d exposure to high concentrations of MCLR (≥ 3 μg/ml), LAS (≥ 20 μg/ml) and their mixture (≥ 3+10 μg/ml). After 2d of exposure, superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione content in duckweed increased with increasing concentrations of MCLR, LAS and their mixture, with a significant difference observable after 8d of exposure. When MCLR and LAS concentrations were lower (≤ 0.1+1 μg/ml), the interaction of them is synergistic, but when the concentrations were higher, the synergy was weak. MC accumulation was much higher at 2d than at 8d when duckweed was exposed to lower concentrations of MCLR (≤ 3 μg/ml) or MCLR-LAS (≤ 3+10 μg/ml). Furthermore, LAS significantly enhanced the accumulation of MCLR in duckweed, even with LAS concentrations as low as 0.3 μg/ml (environmental concentration), indicating that greater negative ecological risks and higher MCLR phytoremediation potentials of duckweed might occur in MCLR-LAS-concomitant water.

The effect of the partial pressure of water vapor on the surface tension of the liquid water-air interface

Precise measurements of the surface tension of water in air vs. humidity at 5, 10, 15, and 20 °C are shown. For constant temperature, surface tension decreases linearly for increasing humidity in air. These experimental data are in good agreement with a simple model based on Newton's laws here proposed. It is assumed that evaporating molecules of water are ejected from liquid to gas with a mean normal component of the speed of "ejection" greater than zero. A high humidity in the air reduces the net flow of evaporating water molecules lowering the effective surface tension on the drop. Therefore, just steam in air acts as an effective surfactant for the water-air interface. It can partially substitute chemical surfactants helping to reduce their environmental impact.

Effects of an anionic surfactant (FFD-6) on the energy and information flow between a primary producer (Scenedesmus obliquus) and a consumer (Daphnia magna)

The effects of a commercially available anionic surfactant solution (FFD-6) on growth and morphology of a common green alga (Scenedesmus obliquus) and on survival and clearance rates of the water flea Daphnia magna were studied. The surfactant-solution elicited a morphological response (formation of colonies) in Scenedesmus at concentrations of 10-100 μl l(-1) that were far below the No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) value of 1,000 μl l(-1) for growth inhibition. The NOEC-value of FFD-6 for colony-induction was 3 μl l(-1). Daphnia survival was strongly affected by FFD-6, yielding LC(50-24h) and LC(50-48 h) of 148 and 26 μl l(-1), respectively. In addition, clearance rates of Daphnia feeding on unicellular Scenedesmus were inhibited by FFD-6, yielding a 50% inhibition (EC(50-1.5h)) at 5.2 μl l(-1) with a NOEC of 0.5 μl l(-1). When Daphnia were offered FFD-6-induced food in which eight-celled colonies (43 × 29 μm) were most abundant, clearance rates (~0.14 ml ind.(-1) h(-1)) were only 25% the rates of animals that were offered non-induced unicellular (15 × 5 μm) Scenedesmus (~0.56 ml ind.(-1) h(-1)). As FFD-6 concentrations in the treated food used in the experiments were far below the NOEC for clearance rate inhibition, it is concluded that the feeding rate depression was caused by the altered morphology of the Scenedesmus moving them out of the feeding window of the daphnids. The surfactant evoked a response in Scenedesmus that is similar to the natural chemically induced defensive reaction against grazers and could disrupt the natural information conveyance between these plankton organisms.

Perspective on the use of humic acids from biomass as natural surfactants for industrial applications

In the context of renewable vs. non-renewable sources of chemical compounds, the development of natural surfactants as a substitute for synthetic surfactants in technological applications is an important issue. In addition, as synthetic surfactants can persist in the environment causing toxic effects, the use of natural products presents a possibility to minimize impact on the environment. Nowadays, a promising new approach in surfactant-based technologies, consists of the use of humic acids (HAs) extracted directly from biomass that exhibit amphiphilic properties, and can be conveniently used as environmentally friendly surfactants. The raw material from which HAs are extracted and their macromolecular composition affect surfactant properties. Therefore fundamental data from more strictly qualitative aspects, needs to be investigated. This review highlights surfactant ability and chemical properties of HA substances coming from renewable sources in comparison to synthetic surfactants, and points out the capacity for HAs to be used effectively in this field of application.

Effects of microcystin-LR, linear alkylbenzene sulfonate and their mixture on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seeds and seedlings

Microcystin-LR (MCLR) and linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) are present widely in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, but their combined ecotoxicological risk is unknown. This study investigated the toxic effects of MCLR, LAS and their mixture on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and evaluated MCLR accumulation level in lettuce with or without LAS. The changes in seed germination and shoot/root growth, responses of the antioxidative defense system, and the accumulation of MCLR in lettuce were tested to evaluate the single and combined toxic effect of MCLR and LAS in well-controlled conditions. The results showed that seedling growth (except for root elongation and leaf weight) was more sensitive to toxicant exposure than seed germination. For seedling leaves, lipid peroxidation was not observed when the antioxidative defense system (including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione) was activated to relieve the adverse effects of oxidative stress via different pathways. Our results also confirmed that the interaction between MCLR and LAS was synergistic. Both toxicants in combination not only significantly inhibited seedling growth, but also increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, as well as the contents of glutathione. Furthermore, LAS dramatically enhanced the accumulation of MCLR in the plant, thus leading to a reduction in quality and yield and posing greater potential risk to humans via consumption of these edible plants.

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) in water of Lake Dianchi--spatial and seasonal variation, and kinetics of biodegradation

For the purpose of elucidating the environmental characteristics of anion surfactants [linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS)] in the water of Lake Dianchi, a sampling investigation in the field from October 2006 to July 2007 and a batch of biodegradation experiments in the laboratory were carried out. The results showed that concentrations of LAS ranged from 18.6 to 260.1 μg L(-1), and the average concentration was 52.6 μg L(-1) in Lake Dianchi. The highest concentrations of LAS were found in the Northwest region, and the distribution of LAS varied through seasons, with much lower concentrations in fall than in any other seasons. LAS can be primarily biodegraded by microorganisms in the lake water, and the percentage of degradation was >97% after 28 days. Biodegradation of LAS was well-fitted with the kinetic model presented in this paper, and the half-lives ranged from 3.2 to 16.3 days. Temperature, pH, and initial concentrations could affect the biodegradation of LAS, among which temperature was the major factor influencing on biodegradation of LAS in water of Lake Dianchi.

Assessment of the potential toxicity of a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) to freshwater animal life by means of cladoceran bioassays

The acute and chronic toxic effects of LAS on the cladocerans Daphnia similis, Ceriodaphnia dubia and Ceriodaphnia silvestrii were tested. Both types of toxicity bioassays and the methods of culture and stock maintenance of the test organisms conformed to the recommendations of ABNT (Brazilian Society of Technical Standards), which closely follow the standard methods of USEPA. The results obtained for EC(50) (48 h) were: 14.17 mg L(-1) for D. similis, 11.84 mg L(-1) for C. dubia and 13.52 mg L(-1) for C. silvestrii. In the chronic toxicity tests performed on C. dubia and C. silvestrii, there was a significant decrease in the fecundity of the exposed animals; the value of NOEC for C. dubia and C. silvestrii were 1.00 mg L(-1) and 2.50 mg L(-1), respectively. Cladoceran bioassays provided evidence that LAS concentration as low as 1.00 mg L(-1) can damage invertebrate animal life in freshwaters, concentrations that can be found in many eutrophic rivers and reservoirs.

Surfactants in the Environment

Surfactants are a diverse group of chemicals that are best known for their wide use in detergents and other cleaning products. After use, residual surfactants are discharged into sewage systems or directly into surface waters, and most of them end up dispersed in different environmental compartments such as soil, water or sediment. The toxic effects of surfactants on various aquatic organisms are well known. In general, surfactants are present in the environment at levels below toxicity and in Croatia below the national limit. Most surfactants are readily biodegradable and their amount is greatly reduced with secondary treatment in wastewater treatment plants. The highest concern is the release of untreated wastewater or wastewater that has undergone primary treatment alone. The discharge of wastewater polluted with massive quantities of surfactants could have serious effects on the ecosystem. Future studies of surfactant toxicities and biodegradation are necessary to withdraw highly toxic and non-biodegradable compounds from commercial use and replace them with more environmentally friendly ones.

Predicting sediment sorption coefficients for linear alkylbenzenesulfonate congeners from polyacrylate-water partition coefficients at different salinities

The effect of the molecular structure and the salinity on the sorption of the anionic surfactant linear alkylbenzenesulfonate (LAS) to marine sediment has been studied. The analysis of several individual LAS congeners in seawater and of one specific LAS congener at different dilutions of seawater was carried out after extraction by polyacrylate solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibers. Sorption isotherms for the tested LAS congeners on marine sediment and at different ionic composition were all nonlinear with a constant Freundlich exponent (n(F)) of 0.78 +/- 0.05. Differences in LAS sorption of a number of congeners were similar to the differences among the linear partition coefficients (K(fw)) observed for the polyacrylate SPME fibers in seawater. The sorption of LAS to both the sediment and the SPME fiber significantly decreased in media with lower salinity. Dissolved calcium could fully account for the changed affinity of LAS for the SPME fiber, although the high sorption in seawater was also equaled by a corresponding dissolved concentration of NaCl only. Sediment sorption coefficients of a single LAS congener at varying ionic composition was not as strongly related to the K(fw) values as the relation observed for different LAS compounds in seawater, likely because sorption mechanisms are different in both phases. In the absence of experimental data for octanol-water coefficients (K(ow)) of (i) individual LAS congeners at (ii) different ionic compositions, the use of K(fw) as a tool to predict sorption and other hydrophobicity-related processes is suggested.

Anaerobic Biodegradation of Detergent Surfactants

Detergent surfactants can be found in wastewater in relevant concentrations. Most of them are known as ready degradable under aerobic conditions, as required by European legislation. Far fewer surfactants have been tested so far for biodegradability under anaerobic conditions. The natural environment is predominantly aerobic, but there are some environmental compartments such as river sediments, sub-surface soil layer and anaerobic sludge digesters of wastewater treatment plants which have strictly anaerobic conditions. This review gives an overview on anaerobic biodegradation processes, the methods for testing anaerobic biodegradability, and the anaerobic biodegradability of different detergent surfactant types (anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric surfactants).

Partitioning of hydrophobic pesticides within a soil-water-anionic surfactant system

Surfactants can be added to pesticide-contaminated soils to enhance the treatment efficiency of soil washing. Our results showed that pesticide (atrazine and diuron) partitioning and desorbability within a soil-water-anionic surfactant system is soil particle-size dependent and is significantly influenced by the presence of anionic surfactant. Anionic surfactant (linear alkylbenzene sulphonate, LAS) sorption was influenced by its complexation with both the soluble and exchangeable divalent cations in soils (e.g. Ca2+, Mg2+). In this study, we propose a new concept: soil system hardness which defines the total amount of soluble and exchangeable divalent cations associated with a soil. Our results showed that anionic surfactant works better with soils having lower soil system hardness. It was also found that the hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) sorbed onto the LAS-divalent cation precipitate, resulting in a significant decrease in the aqueous concentration of HOC. Our results showed that the effect of exchangeable cations and sorption of HOC onto the surfactant precipitates needs to be considered to accurately predict HOC behavior within soil-water-anionic surfactant systems.

The influence of a surfactant, linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, on the estrogenic response to a mixture of (xeno)estrogens in vitro and in vivo

The effect of the presence of a surfactant on the activity of a mixture of environmental estrogens was assessed. In their natural habitat, fish are subject not only to exposure to mixtures of estrogenic compounds, as has been addressed in previous publications, but also to other confounding factors (chemical, physical and biological), which may, in theory, affect their responses to such compounds. To assess the potential for such interference, the commonly occurring surfactant, linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), was applied to the yeast estrogen screen at various concentrations, independently and together with a mixture of estrogens at constant concentrations. LAS enhanced the estrogenic activity of the mixture, an effect which became less pronounced over the course of time. This information was used to design an in vivo study to assess induction of vitellogenin in fathead minnows exposed to the same mixture of estrogens plus LAS. A similar trend was observed, that is, the response was enhanced, but the effect became less pronounced as the study progressed. However, the enhanced response in vivo occurred only at the highest concentration of LAS tested (362microg/L), and was transient because it was no longer apparent by the end of the study. Although LAS is a significant contaminant in terms of both concentration and frequency of detection in the aquatic environment, these data do not suggest that it will have a significant impact on the response of fish to environmental estrogens.

Inhibition of growth and photosynthesis of selected green microalgae as tools to evaluate toxicity of dodecylethyldimethyl-ammonium bromide

The effect of dodecylethyldimethyl-ammonium bromide (DEAB), a quaternary ammonium, compound widely used as disinfectant, on phytoplankton of inland water systems was analysed by using an experimental model. A toxicity test was based on inhibition of photosynthesis performances (effective quantum yield from photosystem II, Phi(PSII) and O(2) production) of the phytoplanktonic species Scenedesmus intermedius and Dictiosphaerium chlorelloides (Chlorophyceae) under growing doses of DEAB. A concentration-dependent toxic response was obtained in both parameters analysed. In addition, this response was almost immediate. Consequently, the measurement of both parameters (Phi(PSII )and O(2) production) allows to assess DEAB toxicity with higher standards of precision and repeatability. We propose that this procedure could be used to detect presence of quaternary ammonium pollutants in freshwater.

Removal of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates and their degradation intermediates at low temperatures during activated sludge treatment

The degradation of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates and their degradation intermediates (sulfophenylcarboxylic acids) has been characterized at 9 degrees C in an activated sludge pilot plant. After an adequate adaptation period (20 days), LAS primary degradation exceeds 99% and takes place preferentially for long alkyl chain homologues and external isomers. LAS homologues in the reactor are preferentially sorbed onto particulate matter, while sulfophenylcarboxylic acids (SPCs) are present predominantly in solution, due to their lower hydrophobicity. During the adaptation period the most abundant LAS biodegradation intermediates were long chain sulfophenylcarboxylic acids (SPCs) (C(9)-C(13)SPC). However once this system is fully adapted, the microorganisms are capable of degrading SPCs efficiently. SPCs with 7-9 carbon atoms in the carboxylic chain predominate due to their degradation being slower than for the rest of the SPCs. The presence of C(13)SPC confirms that LAS degradation in wastewater starts with a omega-oxidation on the alkylic chain. A preferential degradation of SPC isomers of the types 2phiC(n)SPC to 6phiC(n)SPC was also detected, as shown by the relatively higher SPC concentrations of the remaining ones.

Fate, behavior and effects of surfactants and their degradation products in the environment

Surfactants are widely used in household and industrial products. After use, surfactants as well as their products are mainly discharged into sewage treatment plants and then dispersed into the environment through effluent discharge into surface waters and sludge disposal on lands. Surfactants have different behavior and fate in the environment. Nonionic and cationic surfactants had much higher sorption on soil and sediment than anionic surfactants such as LAS. Most surfactants can be degraded by microbes in the environment although some surfactants such as LAS and DTDMAC as well as alkylphenols may be persistent under anaerobic conditions. LAS were found to degrade in sludge amended soils with a half-lives of 7 to 33 days. Most surfactants are not acutely toxic to organisms at environmental concentrations and aquatic chronic toxicity of surfactants occurred at concentrations usually greater than 0.1 mg/L. However, alkylphenols have shown to be capable of inducing the production of vitellogenin in male fish at a concentration as low as 5 microg/L. More toxicity data are needed to assess the effects on terrestrial organisms such as plants.

Effect of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) on non-specific defence mechanisms in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) is among the most widely disseminated xenobiotics to enter waste streams and the aquatic environment. In the present investigation, we present a novel approach to evaluate in toxicity of LAS. The effects of sublethal levels (0.2 and 0.4 mg/l) of LAS on non-specific immune system, phagocytosis, respiratory burst and lyzosyme activity, and specific growth rate in the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, during a 54-day exposure were examined by a static bioassay test procedure. The phagocytic activity of leukocytes from fish exposed to 0.4 mg/l LAS statistically decreased compared with the control fish values. No significant reductions were observed in the extra-intracellular respiratory burst and lysozyme activities after exposure to LAS at any of the concentrations tested. The final body weight in fish groups exposed to the LAS were found to be significantly lower than in the control. The specific growth rate results also supported the result above. The results of this study showed sublethal doses (0.2-0.4 mg/l) of LAS caused to statistically insignificant suppression of non-specific immune system mechanisms excluding phagocytosis in fish at laboratory conditions. These doses of LAS may produce potential synergism on immune system when presented with other environmental pollutants.

UV/H2O2 chemical oxidation for high loaded effluents: a degradation kinetic study of LAS surfactant wastewaters

This paper describes a laboratory study conducted to elucidate the possibility of treating high loaded solutions of surfactants through an Advanced Oxidation Process. Synthetic solutions of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates are treated in this work as this is a model compound commonly used in the formulation of detergents, with a great presence in urban and industrial waste-waters. The application of UV combined with hydrogen peroxide to oxidise a surfactant effluent is shown to be suitable as a primary oxidation step since conversions of around 50% of the original compound are achieved in the most favourable cases. Initially, the influence of the operating variables on the degradation levels is analysed in this work. A kinetic model that takes into account both the contributions of direct photolysis and radical attack is also worked out. Direct photolysis is performed to determine the quantum yield in the single photodecomposition reaction. Additionally, the rate constant of the reaction between hydroxyl radicals and LAS in the oxidising system H2O2/UV is determined for different operational conditions. Finally, the contribution of each oxidation pathway is quantified; a higher contribution of the radical reaction than that of the direct photolysis was found in all cases.

Potential for anaerobic conversion of xenobiotics

This review covers the latest research on the anaerobic biodegradation of aromatic xenobiotic compounds, with emphasis on surfactants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phthalate esters, polychlorinated biphenyls, halogenated phenols, and pesticides. The versatility of anaerobic reactor systems regarding the treatment of xenobiotics is shown with the focus on the UASB reactor, but the applicability of other reactor designs for treatment of hazardous waste is also included. Bioaugmentation has proved to be a viable technique to enhance a specific activity in anaerobic reactors and recent research on reactor and in situ bioaugmentation is reported.