Ecotoxicological hazard assessment of two polymers of distinctively different molecular weights.

Assessment of ecological risks during manufacturing, use, transport, and disposal are becoming increasingly important as planning tools during development of new products. The objective of this study was to establish the potential ecotoxicological hazard associated with two polycarboxylate polymers in water, sludge, sediment, and soil. The concentrations of both polymers were quantified using 14C-radiolabeled synthesis and liquid scintillation counting (LSC).

Environmental fate assessment of two synthetic polycarboxylate polymers.

In order to estimate the proportion which may enter the aquatic environment and characterize exposure potential, the environmental fate properties of two polycarboxylate polymers in activated sludge were determined. The polycarboxylates studied were a polymer emulsion (PE), a high-molecular-weight polymer (MW 50,000-60,000), and a resin polymer (RP), a low-molecular-weight polymer (MW 4500 to 9000). Both polymers exhibited a high degree of sorption to sludge solids in a series of sorption/ desorption studies, indicating a high potential for removal during wastewater treatment.