Decomposition of Anionic Surface-Active Agents by Soil Bacteria

Abstract

IN a review of water pollution problems created by the persistence of anionic surface-active compounds in sewage and sewage effluents, Southgate¹ has pointed out that sodium alkyl sulphates are more susceptible to biological degradation than the alkyl benzene sulphonates which are active constituents of some domestic detergents. This resistance of the alkyl benzene sulphonates of commerce to biological oxidation has been attributed to the branched carbon atom chains of their alkyl groups. On the other hand, the alkyl sulphates in common use have, fortuitously, alkyl groups with straighter carbon chains more readily oxidized by micro-organisms². Although some bacteria attacking anionic compounds have been reported³, there is very little published information on bacteria responsible for breaking down even the more easily decomposable compounds.