Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) in water of Lake Dianchi—spatial and seasonal variation, and kinetics of biodegradation

  • Published:
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

For the purpose of elucidating the environmental characteristics of anion surfactants [linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS)] in the water of Lake Dianchi, a sampling investigation in the field from October 2006 to July 2007 and a batch of biodegradation experiments in the laboratory were carried out. The results showed that concentrations of LAS ranged from 18.6 to 260.1 μg L − 1, and the average concentration was 52.6 μg L − 1 in Lake Dianchi. The highest concentrations of LAS were found in the Northwest region, and the distribution of LAS varied through seasons, with much lower concentrations in fall than in any other seasons. LAS can be primarily biodegraded by microorganisms in the lake water, and the percentage of degradation was >97% after 28 days. Biodegradation of LAS was well-fitted with the kinetic model presented in this paper, and the half-lives ranged from 3.2 to 16.3 days. Temperature, pH, and initial concentrations could affect the biodegradation of LAS, among which temperature was the major factor influencing on biodegradation of LAS in water of Lake Dianchi.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Amano, K., Fukushima, T., & Nakasugi, O. (1991). Fate of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates in a lake estuary. Water Science and Technology, 23, 497–506.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • APHA (1998). Standard methods for the examination of the water and wastewater (20th ed.). Washington: American Public Health Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Belanger, S. E., Bowling, J. W., Lee, D. M., LeBlanc, E. M., Kerr, K. M., McAvoy, D. C., et al. (2002). Integration of aquatic fate and ecological responses to linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS) in model stream ecosystems. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 52, 150–171.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chattopadhyay, D. N., & Konar, S. K. (1985). Chronic effects of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate on aquatic ecosystem. Environment and Ecology, 3, 428–433.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • García, M. T., Campos, E., Ribosa, I., Latorre, A., & Sánchez-Leal, J. (2005). Anaerobic digestion of linear alkyl benzene sulfonates: Biodegradation kinetics and metabolite analysis. Chemosphere, 60, 1636–1643.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • González-Mazo, E., Honing, M., Barceló, D., & Gómez-Parra, A. (1997a). Monitoring long-chain intermediate products from the degradation of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates in the marine environment by solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography/ionspray mass spectrometry. Environmental Science and Technology, 31, 504–510.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • González-Mazo, E., Quiroga, J. M., Sales, D., & Gómez-Parra, A. (1997b). Levels of linear alkylbenzenesulfonate (LAS) in waters and sediments of the coastal ecosystems of the Gulf of Cadiz. Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry, 59, 77–87.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • González-Mazo, E., Forja, J. M., & Gómez-Parra, A. (1998). Fate and distribution of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates in the littoral environment. Environmental Science and Technology, 32, 1636–1641.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • González-Mazo, E., León, V. M., Sáez, M., & Gomez-Parra, A. (2002). Occurrence and distribution of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates and sulfophenylcarboxylic acids in several Iberian littoral ecosystems. Science of the Total Environment, 288, 215–226.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hampel, M., Moreno-Garrido, I., Sobrino, C., Lubián, L. M., & Blasco, J. (2001). Acute toxicity of LAS homologues in marine microalga: Esterase activity and inhibition growth as endpoints of toxicity. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 48, 287–292.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hodges, G., Roberts, D. W., Marshall, S. J., & Dearden, J. C. (2006). The aquatic toxicity of anionic surfactants to Daphnia magna—A comparative QSAR study of linear alkylbenzene sulphonates and ester sulphonates. Chemosphere, 63, 1443–1450.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hofer, R., Jeney, Z., & Bucher, F. (1995). Chronic effects of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and ammonia on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fry at water criteria limits. Water Research, 29, 2725–2729.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Isobe, K. O., Zakariab, M. P., Chiemc, N. H., Minhc, L. Y., Prudented, M., Boonyatumanonde, R., et al. (2004). Distribution of linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) in riverine and coastal environments in South and Southeast Asia. Water Research, 38, 2449–2459.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jørgensen, E., & Christoffersen, K. (2000). Short-term effects of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate on freshwater plankton studied under filed conditions. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 19, 904–911.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khleifat, K. M. (2006). Biodegradation of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate by a two-member facultative anaerobic bacterial consortium. Enzyme and Microbial Technology, 39, 1030–1035.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krueger, C. J., Radakovich, K. M., Sawyer, T. E., Barber, L. B., Smith, R. L., & Field, J. A. (1998). Biodegradation of the surfactant linear alkylbenzenesulfonate in sewage-contaminated groundwater: A comparison of column experiments and field tracer tests. Environmental Science and Technology, 32, 3954–3961.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • León, V., Ponce, R., González-Mazo, E., Forja, J. M., & Gómez-Parra, A. (1999). Factor analysis of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) vertical distribution in coastal sediments of Cadiz Bay (southwest Spain). Boletin del Instituto Espanol de Oceanografia, 15, 509–516.

    Google Scholar 

  • León, V. M., Gómez-Parra, A., & González-Mazo, E. (2004). Biodegradation of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates and their degradation intermediates in seawater. Environmental Science and Technology, 38, 2359–2367.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, M. A. (1990). Chronic toxicities of surfactants and detergent builders to algae: A review and risk assessment. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 20, 123–140.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, M. A. (1991). Chronic and sublethal toxicities of surfactants to aquatic animals: A review and risk assessment. Water Reserch, 25, 101–113.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lewitus, A. J., Koepfler, E. T., & Morris, J. T. (1998). Seasonal variation in the regulation of phytoplankton by nitrogen and grazing in a salt marsh estuary. Limnology and Oceanography, 43, 636–646.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li, Y., Yu, Z. M., Song, X. X., Mu, Q. L., & Sun, S. (2005). Anionic surfactants in seawater of JiaoZhou Bay. Oceanologia et Limnologia Sinica, 36, 284–288. (in Chinese)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, J. Q., & Zhang, Y. X. (1996). Distribution and degradation of alkyl benzene sodium sulfonate, and its harmful effect on carp in Dianchi Lake. GeoJournal, 40, 219–227.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, H. Y., Zhou, P. H., Yang, R. B., Liao, B. H., Lu, S. Q., & Yu, P. Z. (2001). Effect of anionic surfactant linear alkybenzene sulfonate (LAS) on physiological and biochemical characteristics of aquatic plants. Agricultural Environmental Protection, 20, 341–344. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Maenpaa, K., & Kukkonen, J. V. (2006). Bioaccumulation and toxicity of 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) and 4-(2-dodecyl)-benzene sulfonate (LAS) in Lumbriculus variegatus (Oligochaeta) and Chironomus riparius (Insecta). Aquatic Toxicology, 77, 329–338.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Matthijs, E., Holt, M. S., Kiewiet, A., & Rijs, G. B. (1999). Environmental monitoring for linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, alcohol ethoxylate, alcohol ethoxy sulfate, and soap. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 18, 2634–2644.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Misra, V., Lal, H., Chawla, G., & Viswanathan, P. N. (1985). Pathomorphological changes in gills of fish fingerlings (Cirrhina mrigala) by linear alkylbenzene sulphonate. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 10, 302–308.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moreno-Garrido, I., Hampel, M., Lubián, L. M., & Blasco, J. (2001). Marine microalgae toxicity test for linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS)and alkylphenol ethoxylate (APEO). Fresenius’ Journal of Analytical Chemistry, 37, 474–478.

    Google Scholar 

  • NBSC (National Bureau of Statistics of China) (2007–2008). China statistical yearbook 2007–008. Beijing: China Statistical Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perales, J. A., Manzano, M. A., Garrido, M. C., Sales, D., & Quiroga, J. M. (2007). Molecular structure and biodegradation kinetics of linear alkylbenzene sulphonates in sea water. Biodegradation, 18, 567–578.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Perales, J. A., Manzano, M. A., Sales, D., & Quiroga, J. A. (1999). Biodegradation kinetics of LAS in river water. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 43, 155–160.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Potter, T. L., Simmons, K., Wu, J., Kostecki, P., & Calabrese, E. (1999). Static die-away of a nonylphenol ethoxylate surfactant in estuarine water samples. Environmental Science and Technology, 33, 113–118.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Quiroga, J. M., Perales, J. A., Romero, L. I., & Sales, D. (1999). Biodegradation kinetics of surfactants in seawater. Chemosphere, 39, 1957–1969.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Quiroga, J. M., & Sales, D. (1991). Degradation kinetics of surfactants. Tenside, Surfactants, Detergents, 28, 27–30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Quiroga, J. M., Sales, D., & Gomez-Parra, A. (1989). Experimental evaluation of pollution potential of anionic surfactants in the marine environmental. Water Reserch, 23, 801–807.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sanz, J. L., Culubret, E., de Ferrer, J., Moreno, A., & Berna, J. L. (2003). Anaerobic biodegradation of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors. Biodegradation, 14, 57–64.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • SEPA (State Environmental Protection Administration of China) (2002). Environmental quality standards for surface water of China (GB-3838-2002). Beijing: SEPA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Swisher, R. (1987). Surfactant biodegradation (2nd ed.). New York: Marcel Dekker.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tabor, C. F., & Barber, L. B. (1996). Fate of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate in the Mississippi river. Environmental Science and Technology, 30, 161–171.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Takada, H., & Ogura, N. (1992). Removal of linear alkyl benzene sulphonates (LAS) in Tamagawa Estuary. Marine Chemistry, 37, 257–273.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Van de Plassche, E. J., de Bruijn, J. H., Stephenson, R. R., Marshall, S. J., Feijtel, T. C., & Belanger, S. E. (1999). Predicted no-effect concentrations and risk characterization of four surfactants: Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, alcohol ethoxylates, alcohol ethoxylated sulfates, and soap. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 18, 2653–2663.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Venhuis, S. H., & Mehrvar, M. (2004). Health effects, environmental impacts,and photochemical degradation of selected surfactants in water. International Journal of Photoenergy, 6, 115–125.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Verge, C., Moreno, A., Bravo, J., & Berna, J. L. (2001). Influence of water hardness on the bioavailability and toxicity of linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS). Chemosphere, 44, 1749–1757.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Z. Y. (2006). Latest trends of surfactants used in personal and homecare production. Detergent and Cosmetics, 29(1–3), 10. (in Chinese)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ying, G. G. (2006). Fate, behavior and effects of surfactants and their degradation products in the environment. Environment International, 32, 417–431.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China

    Zhi Wang, Bangding Xiao, Xingqiang Wu, Xinhai Tu, Yingcai Wang & Lirong Song

  2. Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China

    Zhi Wang, Xingqiang Wu, Xinhai Tu & Yingcai Wang

  3. College of Life Science, Centeral China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China

    Xiaolei Sun

Authors
  1. Zhi Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Bangding Xiao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Xingqiang Wu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Xinhai Tu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Yingcai Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Xiaolei Sun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Lirong Song
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bangding Xiao.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Wang, Z., Xiao, B., Wu, X. et al. Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) in water of Lake Dianchi—spatial and seasonal variation, and kinetics of biodegradation. Environ Monit Assess 171, 501–512 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-009-1295-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-009-1295-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation