APE

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Definition of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APE):
A mixture of chemicals which is used as surfactant. 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

Notes

They have been widely used in detergents, plastics and pesticides. Large amounts of the produced APE ends up in the marine ecosystem. It can be degraded to nonylphenol and octylphenol, which both are more toxic and can behave as estrogens, causing them to act as endocrine disrupting compounds.

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.


See also

Nonylphenol

Octylphenol


References

  1. http://website.lineone.net/~mwarhurst/apeintro.html
  2. 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