Biodegradation of [(14)C] ring-labeled nonylphenol ethoxylate.
Nonylphenol (NP) and the 9-mole ethoxylate of nonylphenol (NPE9) were synthesized with a uniform radioactive (14)C label in the aromatic ring. The [(14)C]NP isomer distribution and [(14)C]NPE9 oligomer distribution closely matched that of commercial NPE9. Biodegradation of [(14)C]NPE9 was examined under conditions simulating a river water environment, and changes in the oligomer distribution and mineralization to (14)CO(2) were monitored for 128 days. Over 40% of the [(14)C]NPE aromatic ring carbon was converted to (14)CO(2) and another 21% was incorporated into the biomass. Primary degradation of NPE (conversion to metabolites other than NP, NPE ethoxylates, and NPE carboxylates) was estimated to be 87-97%. NP was a minor metabolite, accounting for less than 0.4% of the initial NPE. These studies demonstrate that the phenolic ring of NPE is opened, metabolized, and mineralized in the aquatic environment.
Huntsman Corporation, 8103 Forest Mesa Drive, Austin, TX 78759, USA. chknaylor@aol.com
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D001420:Bacteria, Aerobic / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003902:Detergents / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D005026:Ethylene Glycols / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D005658:Fungi / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism; D010636:Phenols / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D045483:Rivers / Q000382:microbiology; D014871:Water Microbiology; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*
D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D003902:Detergents; D005026:Ethylene Glycols; D010636:Phenols; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; C021754:terics; C025256:nonylphenol