Biodegradation of a nonylphenol ethoxylate by the autochthonous microflora in lake water with observations on the influence of light

Alkylphenol polyethoxylates (APE) are routinely used as additives in pesticide formulations. Biodegradation of APEs results in the accumulation of persistent short chain mono-, di- and tri-ethoxylates (AP1EO, AP2EO AP3EO) that are more toxic than the parent compounds and potentially oestrogenic. Accumulation of persistent APE metabolites in shallow or ephemeral waters may pose a hazard to aquatic fauna. This study has followed the degradation and formation of individual oligomers in freshwater in static die-away tests with and without illumination. Over 33 days in darkness there was a progressive and complete loss of long chain oligomers (NP8-17EO), transient increases and subsequent loss of short to medium chain oligomers (NP4-7EO), and large persistent increases (approximately 1000%) in short chain oligomers (NP1-3EO). In the presence of illumination, biodegradation was retarded and heterotrophic bacterial proliferation was inhibited. After 33 days there was complete loss of long chain oligomers (NP9-17EO), incomplete loss of medium chain oligomers (NP6-8EO) and increases in short chain oligomers (NP1-5EO).