Methods for the determination of anionic surfactants

Methods for the determination of synthetic anionic surfactants published in the past two decades are considered, and their advantages and disadvantages are demonstrated. Spectrophotometric and potentiometric (with the use of ion-selective electrodes) techniques, including flow injection analysis versions, are used for the determination of anionic surfactants. Chromatographic techniques (primarily, high-performance liquid chromatography) are most frequently used for the separation, preconcentration, and determination of anionic surfactants in complex mixtures. Spectrofluorimetry, voltammetry, and immunoassay did not find wide application.