5.1.1.The treatment of non-ionic surface-active agents and formulated detergents prior to the determination of primary biodegradability in the confirmatory test is:U.K.
The purpose of the alcoholic extraction is to eliminate the insoluble and inorganic ingredients of the commercial product, which in some circumstances might upset the biodegradability test.
| Products | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Non-ionic surfactants | None |
| Formulated detergents | Alcoholic extraction followed by separation of the non-ionic surfactants by ion exchange |
Ion-exchange procedure