The problem of ultimate biodegradability of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates: An extension

The literature on the ultimate biodegradability of LAS is discussed and interpreted; the evidence suggests that LAS can be completely mineralized in environmentally realistic conditions. In view of the innocuous nature of the transient biodegradation intermediates, this leads to the conclusion that LAS is environmentally acceptable and that any move away from LAS as a detergent raw material need be dictated only by reasons of detergent performance or economics. In further validation of this conclusion, supplementary experimental data are presented for continuous flow activated sludge treatment of 100 mg/l LAS, 6 hour retention, showing 80-90% biodegradation of its benzene rings and organic carbon content, approximately the same as the soy peptone used as the control and supporting food.