Quaternary ammonium surfactants

Abstract

This artide discusses surface-active quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), an important dass of industrial chemicals with a broad spectrum of commercial and consumer uses. Major emphasis is placed on the environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology of the most important cJasses of QACs. The discussion of environmental chemistry encompasses physical/chemical properties, analytical methods and monitoring data, wastewater treatment and environmental fate. Also addressed are production methods, volumes and uses. A summary of data on human health elfects is presented. Existing data on the environmental chemistry and toxicity of QACs are critically reviewed, with the aim of determining where data are adequate for risk assessment, and where significant data gaps exist. This analysis shows that many QACs are readily biodegraded in sewage treatment and in receiving waters, but that their fate in benthic sediments is poorly understood. The bioavailability of sorbed or complexed QACs is another critical issue that deserves more emphasis in future research.