APE
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Definition of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APE):
A mixture of chemicals which are used as surfactants. APE are usually produced out of 2 compounds nonylphenol and octylphenol. [1]
This is the common definition for alkylphenol ethoxylates (APE), other definitions can be discussed in the article
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Notes
They have been widely used in detergents, plastics and pesticides. Large amounts of the produced APEs end up in the marine ecosystem. It can be degraded to nonylphenol and octylphenol, which both are more toxic and can act as endocrine disrupting compounds by behaving as estrogens.
The use of alkylphenol ethoxylates has been banned or restricted. [2]
Case studies
Flame retardants organotin compounds and surfactants in opossum shrimps of the Scheldt estuary.
References
- ↑ http://website.lineone.net/~mwarhurst/apeintro.html
- ↑ Verslycke, T.; Vethaak, A.D.; Arijs, K.; Janssen, C.R. (2004). Flame retardants, surfactants and organotins in sediment and mysid shrimp of the Scheldt estuary (The Netherlands). Environ. Poll. 136(1): 19-31
