Biodegradation of anionic surfactants in the presence of organic contaminants

Surfactant (XP-100) biodegradability with yeast extract was studied in the presence of the pollution active hydrocarbons naphthalene and hexadecane. Surfactant biodegradation was faster with yeast extract than without. Increased surfactant concentration did not inhibit its biodegradation over the period studied. The addition of organic contaminants, on the other hand, enhanced surfactant biodegradation due to their synergistic effect. Naphthalene degraded more than hexadecane. The results outlined contribute to a better understanding of the bioremediation mechanism and the fate of the compounds studied in the aquatic environment. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.