Sains Malaysiana 45(6)(2016): 949–954

Biodegradation of Various Homologues of Palm-based Methyl Ester Sulphonates (MES)

(Biodegradasi Pelbagai Homolog Metil Ester Sulfonat (MES) Berasaskan Sawit)

SITI AFIDA I.*, RAZMAH G. & ZULINA A.M.

Advanced Oleochemical Technology Division (AOTD), Malaysian Palm Oil Board, 6, Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Diserahkan: 6 Januari 2016/Diterima: 12 Januari 2016

ABSTRACT

The concern on the widespread use of surfactants is increasing worldwide as they can be potential toxicants by polluting the environment, with the damage formed depending on their exposure and persistence in the ecosystem. This paper was intended to evaluate the biodegradability of palm-based surfactant, MES, in order to establish their environmental friendliness. The respirometric method was used to monitor the biodegradation of various homologues of MES over 28 days as described in the OECD 301F Manometric respirometry test method. The results showed all the MES homologues tested were readily biodegradable with percentage of biodegradation achieved for C12, C14 and C16 MES was 73% within 6 days, 66% within 8 days and 63% within 16 days, respectively, while linear alkylbenzene sulphonates (LAS) sample 60% biodegraded within 8 days. From the results, it can be concluded that the longer the carbon chain length, the lower is the biodegradability of MES as the microorganisms took longer time to degrade a longer chain surfactant. Other than that, the presence of aromatic structure in LAS may also extend the biodegradation process. The use of palm-based surfactant, i.e. MES, is more environmental friendly and can be used as an alternative to petroleum-based surfactant to reduce adverse environmental effects of surfactant on ecosystem.

Keywords: Environment; LAS; OECD 301F test method; palm-based surfactant

ABSTRAK

Penggunaan surfaktan secara meluas telah meningkatkan kebimbangan pengguna di seluruh dunia kerana bahan ini berpotensi menjadi bahan toksik terhadap alam sekitar, dengan kerosakan yang terbentuk bergantung kepada pendedahan dan kehadiran bahan ini dalam ekosistem. Kajian ini telah dijalankan untuk menilai sifat mesra alam MES berasaskan sawit di sekitaran melalui pengukuran tahap biodegradasi surfaktan ini. Kaedah respirometrik digunakan untuk memantau biodegradasi pelbagai rantaian MES sepanjang 28 hari seperti yang dinyatakan dalam kaedah ujian OECD 301F. Hasil kajian menunjukkan semua homolog MES yang diuji adalah mudah terurai dengan peratusan biodegradasi untuk C12, C14 dan C16 MES adalah masing-masing 73% dalam masa 6 hari, 66% dalam masa 8 hari dan 63% dalam masa 16 hari, manakala sampel linear alkilbenzena sulphonat (LAS) mencapai 60% biodegradasi dalam masa 8 hari. Daripada keputusan tersebut, dapat disimpulkan bahawa semakin panjang rantai karbon MES, semakin rendah peratusan biodegredasi kerana mikroorganisma mengambil masa yang lebih lama untuk menguraikan rantaian panjang ini. Selain itu, kehadiran struktur aromatik dalam LAS juga boleh melambatkan proses biodegradasi. Penggunaan surfaktan berasaskan sawit, iaitu MES, adalah lebih mesra alam sekitar dan merupakan alternatif terhadap surfaktan berasaskan petroleum untuk mengurangkan kesan surfaktan terhadap ekosistem.

Kata kunci: Alam sekitar; kaedah OECD 301F; LAS; surfaktan berasaskan sawit

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*Pengarang untuk surat-menyurat; email: siti.afida@mpob.gov.my