ECOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF ALKYLGLUCOSIDES

The good application properties of the alkylpolyglucosides and the dev elopment of economical and efficient production processes have promote d an increasing usage of these surfactants. From the study of two ecol ogical properties, biodegradability and toxicity, the environmental co mpatibility of these surfactants have been evaluated. Different alkylg lucosides have been studied: pure n-alkylglucosides (C-8-C-12) and com mercial alkylglucosides oligomeric mixtures. Total biodegradation was studied on both Ready Biodegradability tests and Simulation tests. Tox icity tests were carried out on both Daphnia magna and luminiscent bac teria (Photobacterium phosphoreum). Results obtained in the study on t he ecological properties of alkylpolyglucosides allow to conclude the environmental acceptability of this new class of nonionic surfactants. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.