Environmental impact and biological activity of bio-based shampoos

Abstract

One of the types of pollution of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems is pollution by surface-active substances (surfactants).With the awareness of the potential danger of conventional surfactants on the environment and human health, there is a growing interest in the development of bio-based surfactants in personal hygiene products. These substances are considered safer, are abundant, biodegradable, and biocompatible. The study of bio-based surfactants shampoos consisting only of natural organic components is of particular interest. The objective of the research: assessment of the environmental impact and biological activity of bio-based shampoo using standard biotests: germination and growth of black bean plants (Vícia fába) and behavioral reactions of sludge worm (Tubifex tubifex). The chemical composition of bio-based shampoos is analyzed; it is shown that derivatives of natural oils are surfactants, which can serve as a substitute for traditional synthetic detergents. The effect of aqueous shampoo solutions of various concentrations on the biotest of Vícia fába showed an acceleration of biomass growth and its qualitative change, an increase in the amount of chlorophyll and ascorbic acid. Micromorphological method revealed violations at the cellular level of root system development on the 14th day of germination. With the help of a biotest on the behavioral reactions of Tubifex tubifex, the toxic effect was evaluated. Significant biological activity has been established, which, combined with exposure to surfactants, can lead to environmental consequences. It is concluded that the mass replacement of traditional synthetic detergents with bio-organic ones will practically not change the impact on the environment.