Effects of anthropogenic surfactants on the conversion of marine dissolved organic carbon and microgels.
The possible impact of three types of anthropogenic surfactants on the ability of marine dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to form self-assembled microgels was evaluated. The behavior of existing native microgels was also examined in the presence of surfactants. These results reveal that the release of surfactants even at low concentrations into the aquatic environment could effectively hinder the self-assembly of DOC polymers. The extent of the size reduction had the following order: anionic, cationic, and non-ionic. Furthermore, charged surfactants can disrupt existing native microgels, converting large assemblies into smaller particles. One possible mechanisms is that surfactants are able to enhance the stability of DOC polymers and disrupt aggregates due to their surface charges and protein-denaturing activities. These findings suggest that the ecological system is altered by anthropogenic surfactants, and provide useful information for ecological assessments of different types of surfactants and raise warnings about surfactant applications.
Department of Marine Environment and Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Ruei-Feng
RF
Shiu
Department of Marine Environment and Engineering, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Asia-Pacific Ocean Research Center, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Electronic address: linnohc@fac.nsysu.edu.tw.
Chon-Lin
CL
Lee
D002244:Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D005782:Gels / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers; D012623:Seawater; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry*
D005782:Gels; D011108:Polymers; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D002244:Carbon
Dissolved organic carbon; Microgel; Self-assembly; Surfactants