Analysis and fate of surfactants in sludge and sludge-amended soils

Abstract

Surfactants are among the most prevalent organic pollutants of anthropogenic origin with the potential to enter the environment through the discharge of wastewater and sewage sludge. We give an overview of analytical methods currently in use for the determination of different classes of surfactants in sewage sludge and soil. The main focus is on the application of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), discussing various aspects of these two techniques, including sample preparation. We give an overview of data on the occurrence of sludge and sludge-amended soils, and we draw conclusions about the fate of surfactants and their metabolites in sludge-amended soils. Finally, we briefly discuss the current European legislation relating to the use of sludge in agriculture.