The behavior of linear alkylbenzenesulfonate in different soils: a comparison between field and laboratory studies

The behavior of linear alkylbenzenesulfonate (LAS) in soils (i.e., degradation, percolation, and sorption) was investigated in field and laboratory tests. For this purpose sorption studies were carried out using Freundlich's method in order to obtain sorption constants. A prediction of sorption constants in characterized soils was possible using multiple regression and correlation methods. Degradation under laboratory conditions can faithfully be used for the interpretation of degradation times under field conditions. In laboratory tests LAS has reacted immobilely as in field tests. The uptake of LAS in plants is very high; however, it is slowly metabolized.