Biodegradation of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) by Penicillium chrysogenum

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) are the surfactants most widely used as active agents in cleaning products and may be present as hazardous contaminants in the environment. A pilot scale study of the biodegradation of sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate was performed according to a full 22 factorial experimental design, considering the effects of the concentrations of LAS and ammonium sulfate. The process was tested in an aerobic culture experiment employing a synthetic medium, with Penicillium chrysogenum as the microbial agent. Evaluation was made of the effects of the experimental parameters on the dry fungal mass and the biodegradation rate. The results showed a high rate of biodegradation (99.5%) and a low residual dry mass (0.2995 g), suggesting that the technique could be used in activated sludge wastewater treatments.