Monitoring of LAS in direct discharge situations: Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate in untreated sewage and on sludge modified soils

A wide monitoring of LAS (Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate) in real environmental conditions was conducted. First of all, LAS was extensively monitored in a small river that receives untreated sewage from a non-industrial village. Sampling was carried out in different weather seasons and in all cases the observed biodegradation reached values higher than 90 %. On the other hand, LAS was monitored in sludge modified soils taken samples periodically. Biodegradation rate and half life of LAS were below the limits found in the specialized literature confirming that no accumulation can occur under normal environmental circumstances.