Interfacial Mass Transfer in Trichloroethylene/Surfactants/ Water Systems: Implications for Remediation Strategies

The fate of dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs) in the environment and the consequential remediation problems have been intensively studied over the last 50 years. However, a scarce literature is present about the mass transfer at the DNAPL/water interface. In this paper, we present a fast method for the evaluation of the mass transfer performance of a surfactant that can easily be employed to support an effective choice for the so-called enhanced remediation strategies. We developed a lab-scale experimental system modelled by means of simple ordinary differential equations to calculate the mass transfer coefficient (K) of trichloroethylene, chosen as representative DNAPL, in the presence and in the absence of two ethoxylated alcohols belonging to the general class of Synperonic surfactants. Our findings revealed that it exists an optimal surfactant concentration range, where K increases up to 40% with respect to pure water.

Features reported after exposure to automatic dishwashing rinse aids

Introduction: Automatic dishwashing rinse aids are drying aids which contain non-ionic surfactants, usually ethoxylated alcohols, typically at concentrations of ≤30%. Objective: To assess the reported toxicity of rinse aids. Methods: Telephone enquiries to the UK National Poisons Information Service were analysed from January 2008 to June 2019. Results: Ingestion: Ingestion was involved in 976 cases and produced gastrointestinal features, coughing and central nervous system depression, particularly in young children. In those in whom the amount ingested was known, the majority (56%) of children <18 years and of adults (57%) ingested <50 mL of rinse aid. Although moderate or severe exposures (Poisoning Severity Score (PSS) ≥ 2) were uncommon, they occurred significantly ( p < 0.0008) more often in adults (9.0%) than in children (1.8%); however, three of the four adults with PSS ≥ 2 co-ingested other substances. Eye exposure: Ocular exposure was reported in 35 cases, of whom 29 developed features. Eye irritation ( n = 10, 28.6%) and eye pain ( n = 10, 28.6%) were reported most commonly, and three patients (8.6%) developed corneal abrasions (PSS 2). Dermal exposure: Thirty-four patients were exposed dermally, and six (17.6%) reported features, including rash, numbness, pruritus and burns (PSS 1). Conclusions: Overall, clinical features developed in 47% of patients exposed to rinse aids, but more severe features (PSS ≥ 2) were rare (<3%) following exposure by any route.

Final Report of the Amended Safety Assessment of Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Related Salts of Sulfated Ethoxylated Alcohols

Sodium laureth sulfate is a member of a group of salts of sulfated ethoxylated alcohols, the safety of which was evaluated by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel for use in cosmetics. Sodium and ammonium laureth sulfate have not evoked adverse responses in any toxicological testing. Sodium laureth sulfate was demonstrated to be a dermal and ocular irritant but not a sensitizer. The Expert Panel recognized that there are data gaps regarding use and concentration of these ingredients. However, the overall information available on the types of products in which these ingredients are used and at what concentrations indicates a pattern of use. The potential to produce irritation exists with these salts of sulfated ethoxylated alcohols, but in practice they are not regularly seen to be irritating because of the formulations in which they are used. These ingredients should be used only when they can be formulated to be nonirritating.

Micellar properties of zwitterionic surfactant - alkoxyethanol mixed micelles

The micelle formation process for a zwitterionic surfactant, N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate (ZW3-12), has been investigated in a series of mixed solvents consisting of different concentrations of ethoxylated alcohols and polymers. The critical micelle concentrations (cmc values) of the aggregates were determined by fluorescence spectroscopy, and the surfactant aggregation numbers were obtained from luminescence probing experiments. The cmc values for ZW3-12 changed very little in the presence of increasing amounts of poly(ethyleneoxide) (PEO) in the mixed solvent. In the case of the ethoxylated alcohol – ZW3-12 systems, the cmc values and aggregation numbers decreased systematically with increasing alcohol concentration. However, the cmc values of the mixed micelles showed little dependence on the number of ethylene oxide (EO) groups at constant alcohol concentration. These results are compared with the well-studied sodium dodecylsulfate – ethoxylated alcohol, and dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide – ethoxylated alcohol mixed micellar systems and to SDS–PEO systems and are discussed in terms of the contribution of the EO groups to the hydrophobic interactions. Key words: zwitterionic surfactant, alcohols, mixed micelles, luminescence probing.