Fate of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates in the environment: A review

The fate and risk of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) in various compartments of the environment have been reviewed. Under aerobic conditions LAS degrade rapidly and concentration of LAS has been found very low in effluents from aerobic sewage treatment plants (STP). On the contrary, in anaerobic STPs effluents, LAS concentrations have been found very high. Anaerobic effluents containing high LAS concentrations have been found to pose risk to aquatic environment. Similarly, LAS concentrations have been found high in anaerobically treated sewage sludge's. LAS enter the soil as a result of sludge application to the land. Risk to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems is increased when wastewaters and sludge's are treated anaerobically.