Biodegradation of 2-Sulfonatofatty Acid Methyl Ester (α-SFMe)

Abstract

The biodegradability of 2-sulfonatofatty acid methylester (a-SFMe), an anionic surfactant recently developed for heavy-duty household detergents, was studied by the shake culture method, river die-away test and biochemical oxygen demand measurment method (MITI test).Biodegradation was followed by the methylene blue active substances (MBAS) analysis and/or dissolved organic carbon (DOC), or biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).The biodegradation of α-SFMe was found to start quickly, and then to proceed rapidly to ultimate degradation at sewage treatment plants and in natural river water.