Safety biodegradation

Linear alkylbenzenesulfonate showed no deleterious effect on agricultural crops exposed to this material (54,55). Kinetics of biodegradation have been studied in both wastewater treatment systems and natural degradation systems (48,57,58). Studies have concluded that linear alkylbenzenesulfonate does not pose a risk to the environment (50). Linear alkylbenzenesulfonate has a half-life of approximately one day in sewage sludge and natural water sources and a half-life of one to three weeks in soils. Aquatic environmental safety assessment has also shown that the material does not pose a hazard to the aquatic environment (56). 

Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry (1992) Biodegradation and bioaccumulation data of existing chemicals based on the CSCL Japan. Report by the Chemical Products Safety Division, October. 

Cripe CR, Walker WW, Pritchard PH, et al. 1987. A shake-flask test for estimation of biodegradability of toxic organic substances in the aquatic environment. Ecotoxicol Environ Safety 14 239-251. 

In conclusion, it is noteworthy that cyclodextrins, liposomes and chitin derivatives are all readily available from renewable biochemical sources and offer advantages of biodegradability and safety in use. However, it needs to be borne in mind that this fact alone does not necessarily mean that they are entirely environmentally innocuous in the long run. Demands on resources for the husbanding and processing of bioforms that may be necessary in order to sustain demand for commercially viable qualities and quantities can exert deleterious effects, not least because they may give by-products that present problems of utilisation or disposal [70]. 

Over the last decade the use of carriers has declined markedly and continues to do so, essentially for health, safety and environmental reasons [118-121]. In some countries these products are now virtually banned. Nearly all carrier compounds exhibit all or some of the following toxicity, physiological irritancy or poor biodegradability (Table 12.7). Typical pollution loads for comparable high-temperature and carrier methods are given in Table 12.8. 

Chen, M., C.S. Hong, B. Bush, and G.Y. Rhee. 1988. Anaerobic biodegradation of polychlorinated biphenyls by bacteria from Hudson River sediments. Ecotoxicol. Environ. Safety 16 95-105. 

The more widespread use of ethanol could have some safety benefits since ethanol is water soluble, biodegradable, and evaporates easily. Ethanol spills tend to be much less severe with an easier clean up than petroleum spills. 

Taking into consideration its physico-chemical properties, removal efficiencies, low biodegradability, predicted environmental levels, toxicity, and the need to provide sufficient safety margins for aquatic organisms, the demand for alternative cationic surfactants arose. Since 1991, DTDMAC has been replaced in some European countries due to producer s voluntary initiatives with new quaternary ammonium compounds, the esterquats. These contain an ester function in the hydrophobic chain (Table 1.3) that can be easily cleaved, releasing intermediates that are susceptible to ultimate degradation [24-26]. The effects of the phasing-out and replacement of DTDMAC can be demonstrated by the results of a Swiss study, where the surfactant... 

Apart from the pure process-driven requirements of the disintegration within a defined time span and the proof of ultimate biodegradability, it is necessary to make sure that there is no negative impact of degradation products or intermediates of the degradation process on the environment. Adequate information has to be provided for a comprehensive assessment of environmental and toxicological safety. 

O.K. compost was acquired in 1998. An independent organization approved the biodegradability and safety of use of Bionolle as compost bags. 

Ingerslev F. and B. HaUing-Spiensen (2001). Biodegradability of metronidazole, olaquindox, and tylosin and formation of tylosin degradation products in aerobic soil-manure slurries. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 48 311-320. 

Although their safety in vivo needs further confirmation, at this present, they arc basically low in toxicity and are biodegradable. These synthetic glycosides show tremendous potential for use in the foods. 

Surfactants are used widely in industry, agriculture and medicine. The materials currently in use are produced primarily by chemical synthesis, or as by-products of industrial processes. For a microbial surfactant to penetrate the market, it must provide a clear advantage over the existing competing materials. The major considerations are (1) safety, i.e., low toxicity and biodegradability (2) cost (3) selectivity and (4) specific surface modifications. Biosurfactants exhibit low toxicity and good biodegradability, properties that are essential if the surfactant is to be released into the environment. 

Shimp, R. J. Young, R. L. (1988). Availability of organic chemicals for biodegradation in settled bottom sediments. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 15, 31—45. 

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