BIODEGRADABILITY OF ECS-40 TRUCK WASH

The primary ingredient of interest in the biodegradability of many traditionally formulated surfactants is linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (‘LAS’). LAS ‘Primary Biodegradation’ is the transformation induced by microorganisms with formation of sulphophenyl carboxylates (SPCs) as biodegradation intermediates.

This biodegradation stage corresponds to the disappearance of the parent molecule and the loss of interfacial activity as well as the toxicity to aquatic organisms.

OECD Tests on LAS Biodegradability are as follows;

Ready Test: OECD 301 B,D,E – Result >99% primary biodegradability

Inherent Test: OECD 302 A,B – 95 – 98% Result Readily Biodegradable

The following are considered by the European agencies AISE and CESIO as possessing good biodegradability characteristics;

Sulphated anionic surfactants (alkyl sulphates, alcohol ethoxysulphates) :well biodegradable

Fatty acids and soaps : well biodegradable

Alcohol ethoxylates : well biodegradable

Sugar-based surfactants (alkyl polyglucosides, glucamides) : well biodegradable

Alkyldimethyl amine oxides : well biodegradable (based on limited data).

Note: as STPP is an inorganic substance biodegradation studies are not applicable.

QUICK BREAK CHARACTERISTICS OF ECS-40 TRUCK WASH

1. Half fill a jar with clean water and mark the top of the waterline.

2. Draw another line 1cm above the waterline mark, and fill to this line with SN300 oil.

3. Add 10mL of ECS-40 Truck Wash to the jar, put on the lid and shake vigorously.

4. Set jar aside, and allow 10 minutes for the oily water to settle. If, after 10 minutes, the oily water emulsion has separated back into its respective lines of clear water and ‘free’ oil, your cleaning agent is quick-breaking. If the liquids remain emulsified and have a white, cloudy appearance then the chemical

does not possess quick-break properties.