C8- and C9-Alkylphenols and Ethoxylates: I. Identity, Physical Characterization, and Biodegradation Pathways Analysis

ABSTRACT C8- and C9-alkylphenols (AP) and their ethoxylates (APE) are widely used commercial products mainly used in industrial applications, in the formulation of crop protection chemicals, and in industrial and household cleaners. These compounds have been the subject of considerable regulatory scrutiny regarding their potential to pose environmental risks. Recent regulatory focus on these compounds has included an assessment of their potential to meet criteria for persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic compounds (PBTs). To facilitate the evaluation of the environmental behavior of APE and an assessment of their PBT characteristics, a review of the physical-chemical properties and environmental degradation pathways was performed. The most widely used commercial APE are highly water soluble and non-volatile. Nonylphenol (NP) and octylphenol (OP) are relatively low solubility compounds that are more hydrophilic and volatile than the ethoxylates. Properties of ethoxylate degradation intermediates such as A...