Analysis of alcohol polyethoxylates and polyethylene glycols in marine sediments

► PLE is an effective technique for extracting AEOs and PEGs from sediment samples. ► LC-MS analysis of AEOs and PEGs is optimal by forming sodium adducts. ► This is the first study comparing AEO and PEG levels in the marine environment. ► PEG concentrations exceeded those found for AEOs by several orders of magnitude.