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 degrated to nonylphenol and octylphenol, which both are more toxic and have can behave as estrogens, causing them to act as endocrine disruptive compounds.

The use of alkylphenol ethoxylates has been banned or restricted. [2]


See also

Flame retardants organotin compounds and surfactants in opossum shrimps of the Scheldt estuary.

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