It was demonstrated by a Coulter counter method in combination with ph
otomicrographs that the commercially used anionic surfactant sodium do
decylbenzene sulfonate (NaDBS) forms solid crystals with major seawate
r cations as Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and Sr2+ and thus can be removed from sea
water to sediments. In the presence of calcite particles suspended in
seawater with variable concentrations of NaDBS, complicated mutual int
eractions occur resulting in partial calcite dissolution, and conseque
ntly in surface area diminuation. Namely, from Coulter counter kinetic
measurements simultaneous decrease of the total number and total volu
me of particles was observed. Partial dissolution of calcite was also
confirmed by the weight loss in the presence of c(t)(NDBS) = 1.6 x 10(
-3) mol l(-1). Remobilization of lead and cadmium ions from calcite pa
rticles occurs up to c(t)(NaDBS) = 1 x 10(-3) mol l(-1). At concentrat
ions above that value, an increased removal of these ions can be expla
ined with their adsorption on a reprecipitated calcium salt (either wi
th DBS- or with SO42- from SW).