Solubilization of di-and poly-aromatics using nonionic surfactants

The effect of three selected concentrations of the nonionic surfactant, polyoxyethylenated (23) monolaurate (I) and polyoxyethylenated (23) monostearate (II) on an artificial oil spill was studied. Surface tension measurements were used to detect the critical micelle concentration (CMC). The hydrophobic-Lypophilic balance, HLB, was calculated and the wetting Power was determined for the prepared surfactants. Gas Chromatography (GC) was used to detect the most effective surfactant as a dispersing agent; also, the pristine/phytane ratio was determined before and after treatment. The di- and poly-aromatic compounds were detected at 228 nm and 256 nm, respectively using the Ultra Violet technique (UV). The obtained results pointed out that the nonionic surfactant, II, can successfully be used as a dispersing agent especially at and above its critical micelle concentrations (CMC) with efficiency more than surfactant I, which is less effective at these concentrations but it shows a good result at low concentration range (i.e. below the CMC).