Anionic surfactant, also known as hydrophobic surfactants, is a cationic surfactant and was originally designed for use in the printing industry. Anionic surfactants can be used for various manufacturing processes including textiles, petroleum, rubber products, and others. It is most commonly used for Pharmaceuticals as it can prevent oil clogging in a coated area, thus preventing them from leaking out into an area that they are not intended to enter. It is also used in the manufacturing of medical products such as artificial joints, coatings, and sutures. However, the anionic surfactant can also be utilized in other fields including cosmetics, petrochemicals, rubber products, and more.
The use of this type of surfactant can have various effects ranging from an aesthetic one to an ecotoxicological one. For example, cosmetic surfactants like anionic surfactants tend to eliminate surface oils and other materials that are on cosmetic containers, but they leave behind a residue coating on the container walls that can clog biological filters or even cause bacterial growth in sensitive aquatic habitats. Ecotoxicologists use anionic surfactants for applications that are aimed at reducing the potential toxins released into aquatic habitats, such as those found in aquatic environments. However, the use of this type of surfactant can have some hazardous effects on certain species of aquatic organisms such as fish, crabs, and snails.
There are many situations where the direct effects of a chemical like anionic surfactant can create a problem under specific ecotoxicological circumstances. Ecotoxicologists must often consider the relationship between the actual use of an agent like this and the ecological consequences of using a chemical to combat a particular problem. An example of this would be the use of this agent to reduce oil buildup on boats and increase marine life.