Biodegradation of glycol ethers in soil

Because of the widespread use of glycol ethers in applications ranging from consumer products to use as chemical intermediates, there is a need to better understand the fate of these compounds in the environment. Soil biodegradation studies were conducted for three propylene glycolethers: 1-methoxy-2-propanol, 1-phenoxy-2-propanol, and 1-methoxy-2-propanol acetate. The test compounds were labeled with carbon-14 at either the methoxy or phenoxy substituents. Biodegradation of the three compounds was observed in two sandy loam soils. The time required for disappearance of 50% of the test compounds ranged from <1 d at 0.2 ppm (w/w) to <7 d at 107 ppm. Degradation rates were slower in a sandy soil, reflecting the lower concentration of microorganisms present. No significant accumulation of intermediate products was observed, and ultimate yields of ¹⁴CO₂ were in the range of 40 to 65% of the initial concentration. Results indicated that the glycol ethers were degraded in a variety of soils under aerobic conditions.