Abstract:

Quaternary ammonium compounds containing at least one long alkyl chain act as cationic surfactants and are widely used as fabric softeners, disinfectants and human hair cosmetics. After usage, the surfactants are generally discharged via waste water treatment facilities to surface waters. Hence they can disturb the ecological balance due to their toxicity to aquatic organisms. In this context reliable analytical methods for determination of quaternary alkylammonium compounds are required in the analysis of environmental samples as well as in the quality control of manufactured products.