Surfactants: hygiene’s first line of defence against pollution

Abstract

Surfactants are a diverse group of compounds that are widely used in a range of industrial, commercial and household applications. They are amphiphilic molecules that contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups, which allow them to interact with both water and oil. Surfactants have a number of important properties, including the ability to reduce surface tension, emulsify liquids and solubilise hydrophobic compounds. These properties make them valuable in a range of applications, including detergents (hygiene products), cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and agricultural products. However, the widespread use of surfactants has also raised concerns about their environmental impacts. This review provides an overview of the properties and applications of surfactants, as well as their environmental impacts, the different types of surfactants and their properties and uses in different applications and the current understanding of the environmental fate and impacts of surfactants, including their interactions with aquatic organisms, microbial communities and natural ecosystems. Finally, ths study discusses strategies for minimising the environmental impacts of surfactants, including the development of biodegradable and environmentally friendly surfactants.