Effects and Environmental Behaviors of Nonylphenol Ethoxylates

Date of Award

2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

McCord, Elzie

Keywords

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, Nonylphenol Ethoxylates, Household Surfactants

Area of Concentration

Biology

Abstract

Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are widely used surfactants that are known to mimic natural estrogens. They are released into the aquatic environment through agricultural runoff and wastewater effluents. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive analysis of the chemical, environmental and biochemical behaviors of NPEs. Chemical processes of degradation, sequestration, and bioaccumulation are discussed. In vitro and in vivo studies of the reproductive and neurological effects of NPEs are examined. Background information on endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is provided as a frame of reference for the actions of NPEs. Government regulations of NPEs and EDCs, and challenges in the current risk assessment of these compounds are presented. Finally, current practices in laboratory analysis of environmental samples are reviewed and a procedure for analyzing samples from Sarasota Bay is proposed.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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