Research and analysis

Environmental impacts of alkylphenol ethoxylates and carboxylates part 1: proposals for the development of environmental quality standards

The properties, uses, fate, behaviour, concentrations in the environment, aquatic toxicity and bioaccumulation of alkylphenol ethoxylate surfactants and their breakdown products have been reviewed.

From:
Environment Agency
Published
24 June 2005

Documents

Environmental Impacts of Alkylphenol Ethoxylates and Carboxylates. Part 1 Proposals for the Development of Environmental Quality Standards

Ref: ISBN 1857055616, LIT 2135

PDF, 810 KB, 105 pages

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Details

This report reviews the available data on the occurrence, environmental fate and toxicity of alkylphenol ethoxylate (APnEO) surfactants and their breakdown products, resulting from degradation during sewage treatment and in surface waters. The report goes on to prioritis the breakdown products arising from alkylphenol ethoxylates with respect to the risk they pose to aquatic life. Finally, options for developing water quality standards for these substances are explored and proposals for the development of Environmental Quality Standards for the protection of aquatic life in surface waters are described in detail.

Published 24 June 2005