Removal of surfactant dodecylbenzenesulfonate by consecutive use of ozonation and biodegradation

Successful surfactant removal from wastewater is often limited by the high concentration of the surfactant. The use of advanced oxidation processes can be the key to aid biological treatment of water containing high amounts of surfactants. The present study analyzes the biodegradation of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) and the effects of its combination with ozonation. SDBS pre‐ozonation favors the metabolism by microorganisms. Experimental results indicate that the application of a concentration of up to 60 μM of ozone for 60 min, prior to contact with microorganisms, increases the percentage of SDBS removed by biodegradation alone. These results demonstrate that the removal of SDBS and of the total organic carbon is increased by the consecutive use of ozonation and biodegradation.