Alkylphenol ethoxylates and their degradation products in abiotic and biological samples from the environment

Analytical procedures were optimized for the analysis of surfactants and their degradation products in abiotic and biological samples. The procedures include filtration of water samples and Soxhlet extraction of sediment or sludge samples, followed by automated SPE (C-18 cartridge) and cleanup (Al2O3). For biological materials a matrix dispersed solid phase extraction method was used. Using these methods, information was obtained about the efficiency of the sewage treatment plants, the changes in oligomer ratios of APEO between influent and effluent, the formation and occurrence of metabolites, and the internal concentrations that may occur when mussels are exposed to APEO in the field.