• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.37-43
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• 1995

The course of biodegradation of anionic surfactants, Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates(LAS), Sodium Lauryl Ethoxylate Sulfonate(SLES), and Sodium Lauryl Sulfonates(SLS), which are mainly used to make detergents and shampoo, was investigated. The degree of biodegradation was studied as a function of concentration, volumetric flow rate, and temperature in Naktong River. MethyleneBlue Active Substances(MBAS), Total Dissolved Organic Carbon(TOC), and Chemical Oxygen Demand(COD) were measured to evaluate the degree of biodegradation. The degree of biodegradation of LAS was highly dependent upon the concentration and was increased as the concentration was decreased and that of SLES and SLS was almost constant at the concentration of less than 200 ppm, but was much increased as the volumetric flow rate was increased or the temperature was increased.