The determination of nonylphenol polyethoxylates in the environmental samples using coupled chromatography techniques

Alkylphenol polyethoxylates are widely used as the components of detergents, paints, herbicides, insecticides as well as other formulated products. Recent studies on effluent and sewage sludge have led to the identification of alkylphenols, which are of estrogenic properties. They are relatively stable and have been found in both sediment and surface water. Approximately 80% of alkylphenol polyethoxylates determined in effluent and sludge appear to be nonylphenol polyethoxylates. They have been identified as water contaminants. Biodegradation processes of nonylphenol polyethoxylates lead to the formation of estrogenic nonylphenols. Estrogenic compounds affect the endocrine system in various species. Due to the toxicity of nonylphenols to biological systems, they should be determined in environmental samples. In this review, the toxicity and analytical behaviour of nonylphenols polyethoxylates have been studied.