Primary biodegradation of amine oxide and quaternary ammonium amphiphiles
Language English Country United States Media print
Document type Journal Article
PubMed
8500780
DOI
10.1007/bf02814548
Knihovny.cz E-resources
- MeSH
- Amines chemistry metabolism MeSH
- Biodegradation, Environmental MeSH
- Detergents metabolism MeSH
- Disinfectants metabolism MeSH
- Lauric Acids chemistry metabolism MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Amines MeSH
- Detergents MeSH
- Disinfectants MeSH
- Lauric Acids MeSH
Biodegradation of two amphiphilic "soft" antimicrobially active derivatives of lauric (dodecanoic) acid, a quaternary ammonium salt and an amine oxide bearing an amide or ester group, was followed using microorganisms from activated sludge. Primary biodegradation was determined by ion-selective electrodes, total biodegradation as the chemical oxygen demand. Though organic ammonium salts quickly undergo primary biodegradation, the rest of the molecule is difficult to destroy. In contrast, amine oxides are easily biodegradable.
