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A simple physico-chemical method of detecting traces of surfactants in water

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Summary

A physico-chemical method of detecting traces of surfactants (both natural and synthetic) in water is described. This method is based on the measurement of the surface pressure on water samples containing surfactants with molecular weight higher than 150–200, in concentration lower than 2 ppm. In well-defined conditions, the method can yield also quantitative results. Typical results for dimethyldecylphosphine oxide (DC2PO), dimethyldodecylphosphine oxide (DC12PO), iso-octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol (Triton X-100) and sodium dodecylsulphate are reported. A new parameter is proposed to indicate the quality of water in respect of surfactants.

Zusammenfassung

Ein physikalisch-chemisches Verfahren zum Nachweis von Spuren natürlicher oder synthetischer oberflächenaktiver Stoffe in Wasser wurde beschrieben. Es beruht auf der Messung des Flächendruckes auf Wasserproben, die oberflächenaktive Stoffe mit einem Molekulargewicht über 150–200 in Konzentrationen unter 2 ppm enthalten. Bei Einhaltung definierter Bedingungen liefert die Methode auch quantitative Ergebnisse. Typische Resultate für Dimethyldecylphosphinoxid (DC10PO), Dimethyldodecylphosphinoxid (DC12PO), i-Oktylphenoxypolyäthoxyäthanol (Triton X-100) und Natriumdodecylsulfat wurden angegeben. Ein neuer Parameter zur Angabe der Oberflächenaktivität von Wasser wurde vorgeschlagen.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Florence, Via Gino Capponi 9, 50121, Florence, Italy

    Renato Cini, Augusta Ficalbi & Giuseppe Loglio

Authors
  1. Renato Cini
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  2. Augusta Ficalbi
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  3. Giuseppe Loglio
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Cini, R., Ficalbi, A. & Loglio, G. A simple physico-chemical method of detecting traces of surfactants in water. Mikrochim Acta 62, 203–212 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01219679

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01219679

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