Occurrence of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates, Nonylphenol Ethoxylates and Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate in Composting Processes: Environmental Risks

Composting is an important waste management strategy, providing economical and environment-friendly approach to sanitizing stabilizing biosolids for land soil amendment. However, the resulting product can contain a large number of organic pollutants that may have adverse effects on ecosystem. This paper presents occurrence eight widely used (four linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS C10-C13), nonylphenol its mono- di-ethoxylates (NPE) di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)) in full-scale composting processes. LAS homologues were detected at highest concentrations (range ∑LAS: 2068–9375 mg kg−1 dm), exceeding limit fixed EU Directive draft. The concentration levels NPE DEHP significantly lower (up 27.5 156.8 dm, respectively) did not exceed their limits Ecotoxicological risk assessment when compost amended onto soils has also been evaluated. measured represented medium-low most compounds, although it was enough case C11 C13 NP.