Introduction

Environmental risks associated specifically with the use of surfactants in the petroleum industry generally have not been an issue. This is because surfactants are perceived as being less environmentally hazardous compared to certain other chemicals used in the petroleum industry. Also, surfactants should not reach sensitive receptors unless there is an unexpected release, such as a spill or inappropriate discharge of process waters containing the surfactants. Consequently, there are few published studies on the fate and effects of surfactants in the petroleum industry. However, the times are changing. Environmental data are required on all chemicals listed as part of the pre-manufacturing notification (PMN) compliance with the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), and even Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) currently have a section on environmental safety. There is a need to understand the environmental properties of large volume chemicals, and chemical manufacturers are responding by collecting more data. Likewise the users of these chemicals must understand the environmental risks associated with their use which in the case of the petroleum industry can be unique.