Wastewater activated sludge surfactants from

AES are typically measured in environmental matrices by nonspecific colorimetric analyses (MBAS) that collectively measure LAS, AS, and naturally occurring anionic surfactants. Alternatively, a specific gas chromatographic method for AES, developed by Neubecker (55), was employed to measure AES concentrations in influent and effluent from STPs and river water. Total AES measured in influent wastewater to a STP was 1.88 mg/L. AES removal of 94-100% was measured during actual sewage treatment by activated sludge the resulting effluent concentration was 0.06 mg/L. Total AES levels in river water were less than 0.01 mg/L. AES accounted for 6-13% of MBAS measured in natural water. 

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