Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main challenge facing biodegradation effectiveness?
What is the main challenge facing biodegradation effectiveness?
- Low contaminant availability for microbial attack (correct)
- High contaminant availability for microbial attack
- Excessive surfactant presence inhibiting microbial attack
- Inability of microbes to degrade hydrocarbons
What do surfactants do to hydrocarbons?
What do surfactants do to hydrocarbons?
- Dissolve them completely
- Solidify them, preventing microbial access
- Create a protective barrier around them
- Emulsify them, making them accessible to microbes (correct)
What is the origin of the word 'surfactant'?
What is the origin of the word 'surfactant'?
- Combining the words surface, active, and agent (correct)
- Derived from ancient Latin
- An acronym for a complex chemical term
- Invented by a famous scientist
What would happen to soaps without surfactants?
What would happen to soaps without surfactants?
What is the main purpose of surfactants in relation to hydrocarbons?
What is the main purpose of surfactants in relation to hydrocarbons?
How do surfactants contribute to the effectiveness of cleaning agents like detergent?
How do surfactants contribute to the effectiveness of cleaning agents like detergent?
What does the word 'surfactant' signify?
What does the word 'surfactant' signify?
What is the impact of surfactants on the bioavailability of hydrocarbons?
What is the impact of surfactants on the bioavailability of hydrocarbons?