The course of biodegradation of anionic detergents by analyses for carbon, methylene blue active substance and sulfate ion

Tallow alcohol sulfates, ether alcohol sulfates and esters of α‐sulfo tallow fatty acids were degraded aerobically by sewage microorganisms in a system in which detergent was the sole source of C. Biodegradation was followed by loss of C and methylene blue active substance (MBAS) and formation of SO 4 −− . Tallow alcohol sulfates were rapidly and completely degraded; ether alcohol sulfates not quite as readily. Reduction in MBAS was rapid for the α‐sulfo esters but loss of C and SO 4 −− formation was incomplete, possibly because of the intermediate formation of a resistant sulfosuccinate. Sodium p ‐(1‐methylundecyl) benzenesulfonate (LAS) was the reference standard.