NP / npeo Analysis

Nonylphenol, including Nonylphenol Ethoxylate, and Nonylphenol Diethoxylate

Alkylphenol ethoxylates are used commercially as a non-ionic surfactants in detergent formulation. The nine-mole ethoxylate (aka "nonylphenol ethoxylate") is the most prevalent ethoxylate used, and it readily biodegrades to form lower mole ethoxylates. Predominantly, the one, two and three ethoxylate moieties, along with nonylphenol (NP), are formed. Nonylphenol is classified as an endocrine disrupter for many organisms and mimics the activity of estrogen. NP can be found in sewage sludge, effluent and sediments. A small number of organisms are known to naturally secrete nonylphenol at very low levels.

17β-estradiol (left) and a possible nonylphenol isomer (right) illustrating similarities in chemical structure that help explain nonylphenol's toxicity.

Pacific Rim Laboratories offers testing for trace amounts of Nonylphenol, Nonylphenol Ethoxylate, and Nonylphenol Diethoxylate.

Chromatogram of nonylphenol showing a complex pattern of NP isomers