ABSTRACT
Alkylphenols(APs) , the second most widely used commercial non-ionic surfactants in the world, are the main degradated productions of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs). The structure, biodegradation, transportation and distribution in environment, environmental monitoring and management are reviewed in this paper. Many meaurement methods of APs show that APs possess estrogenoid effects, that mainly disturb endocrinal and reproductive system, especially, estrogen-dependent organs. APs are associated with decreased fertility, reproductive disfunction, inferbility and cancer formation. APs are able to bind estrogen receptors, to imitate or antagonize estrogen effects, to disturb formation and metabolism of endogenous hormones and receptors. APs are also able to change the structure, quantity and function of cells and to disturb the kinetics of cellcycle at cytological and molecular levels. The more work on epidemiological study and mechanism of APs are needed. Management program for controlling environmental pollution caused by APs is being speedily investigated and put into practice progressively. It is necessary to restrict the use of APEs.