Biodegradation of anionic and nonionic surfactants under aerobic and anaerobic conditions

Because branched‐chain alkyl benzene sulfonate (ABS) is well known to create water pollution problems in surface water and ground water, a study was made on the biodegradation of this surfactant along with other anionic and nonionic surfactants in detergents by water bacteria. Biodegradation was evaluated by the conventional river die‐away test employing the methylene‐blue method or surface‐tension techniques as analytical tools. Under anaerobic conditions, sugar detergents (sucrose esters) seem to be an ultimate solution to water problems created by branched‐chain ABS; in aerated water, straight‐chain ABS, sulfo tallow methyl esters, and nonionic surfactants are preferable to branched‐chain ABS to improve water problems.