| Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEOs), which are widely used for industrial and domestic purposes, exert adverse effects on wildlife after being used and discharged into the environment. However, their ultimate biodegradability and biodegradation pathway remains unclear. In this study, the aerobic degradability of nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEOs) by the acclimated microorganisms in active sludge was examined using shaking-flask tests. The degradation of benzene rings in NPEOs was determined using UV spectroscopy and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results showed that more than 80% of benzene rings were removed after 8-10 days of degradation, and the majority of NPEOs were also removed after 9 days of degradation, indicating NPEOs and the benzene... |
