Ecological assessment and corrosion inhibition potential of novel double-chain arginine-based cationic surfactants

abstract

This study investigates the environmental impact and corrosion inhibition of novel double-chain arginine-based cationic surfactants developed as antimicrobial agents. The research focuses on asymmetric double-chain surfactants (LANHCx) with a 12-carbon alkyl chain and a second chain of 3-10 carbons, linked to the amino acid polar head group via amide bonds. The study assessed how alkyl chain length affects the ecological properties. Aerobic biodegradability (CO2 headspace test) and aquatic toxicity (short-term exposure on Daphnia magna, Aliivibrio fischeri, Tetraselmis chuii, and Phaeodactylum tricornutum) were evaluated. Corrosion inhibition efficiency was determined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Alkyl chain length significantly influenced biodegradation rates (1-63 % at 12 mg C/L), with the C6 homologue showing minimal degradation, though it improved at lower concentrations. Biodegradation correlated with antimicrobial potency. These compounds exhibited over one order of magnitude lower aquatic toxicity than conventional quaternary ammonium surfactants (QACs). The arginine-based surfactant LANHC6 effectively inhibited carbon steel corrosion in neutral conditions (80 % at 0.5 mM), outperforming conventional DTAC at a 32-fold lower concentration. Overall, these new amino acid-derived antimicrobial agents demonstrate higher biodegradation rates and lower toxicity compared to conventional QACs, making them promising alternatives as environmentally preferable corrosion inhibitors.

keywords

QUATERNARY AMMONIUM-COMPOUNDS; GEMINI SURFACTANTS; STAINLESS-STEEL; TOXICITY; SPACER; BIODEGRADABILITY; FATE; OIL; DISINFECTANTS; ENVIRONMENTS

subject category

Engineering; Environmental Sciences & Ecology

authors

García, MT; de la Fuente, A; Pérez, L; Bautista, E; Vázquez, S; Kaczerewska, O; Martins, R; Tedim, J

Groups

G3 - Electrochemical Materials, Interfaces and Coatings

Projects

CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials (UIDB/50011/2020)

CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials (UIDP/50011/2020)

Associated Laboratory CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials (LA/P/0006/2020)

Nova geração de revestimentos poliméricos: mais biodegradáveis, sustentáveis e revalorizáveis (NEXTGENCOAT)

acknowledgements

Grant PID2022-136354NB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by "ERDF A way of making Europe". Grant PTA 2020-018511-I funded by MCIU/AEI/1013039/501100011033. Grant PRE2022-000837 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and "ESF Investing in your future". AGAUR 2021-SGR-00507. Project CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, UIDB/50011/2020 (DOI 10.54499/UIDB/50011/2020), UIDP/50011/2020 (DOI 10.54499/UIDP/50011/2020) & LA/P/0006/2020 (DOI 10.54499/LA/P/0006/2020), financed by national funds through the FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC). CESAM-Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (UID/04035/2023; UID CESAM + LA/P/0094/2020), to the NEXTGENCOAT project (COMPETE2030-FEDER-00782900) and to R. Martins (DOI:10.54499/2021.00386. CEECIND/CP1659/CT0011) through State Budget funds. The Biodegradation and Ecotoxicity service of the IQAC-CSIC is acknowledged for the assistance and support related to the biodegradation and ecotoxicity tests. The authors are grateful to Anna Lupon (EDAR Manresa, Barcelona) for supplying the WWTP samples.