Abstract
The spatial distribution of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) and their composition of homologues in sediments of Cádiz Bay, a semienclosed system surrounded by urbanized areas, has been studied. LAS homologues were measured in marine sediments using solid-phase extraction and reversed-phase high-perfomance liquid chromatography with spectrofluorimetric detection. Results showed that LAS, principally associated with solids in suspension and originating from the existing outlet where urban waste waters are discharged into the Sancti Petri Channel, are transported to Cádiz Bay during the ebb tide or emptying phase. The transport of solids in suspension is defined by the circulation of tidal currents and its sedimentation will be encouraged in those zones where the water has a long residence time, zones of low energy, where the accumulation of the surfactant takes place. These results enable the area of influence of the urban waste water discharge to be determined. The distribution of the various LAS homologues in the sediment samples is different from that of the commercial LAS. The greater the distance from the discharge point, the smaller the quantities of the long-chain homologues.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
