4-tert-Octylphenol monoethoxylate is an alkylphenolethoxylate (APE) and a degradation product of non-ionic surfactants, such as 4-tert-octylphenol polyethoxylate.1 It is also a non-steroidal estrogen.2 4-tert-Octylphenol monoethoxylate has been found in wastewater effluent.3
1.Nishio, E., Yoshikawa, H., Wakayama, M., et al.Isolation and identification of Sphingomonas sp. that yields tert-octylphenol monoethoxylate under aerobic conditionsBiosci. Biotechnol. Biochem.69(7)1226-1231(2005) 2.Vajda, A.M., Barber, L.B., Gray, J.L., et al.Reproductive disruption in fish downstream from an estrogenic wastewater effluentEnviron. Sci. Technol.42(9)3407-3414(2008) 3.Barber, L.B., Lee, K.E., Swackhamer, D.L., et al.Reproductive responses of male fathead minnows exposed to wastewater treatment plant effluent, effluent treated with XAD8 resin, and an environmentally relevant mixture of alkylphenol compoundsAquat. Toxicol.82(1)36-46(2007)