Primary aerobic biodegradation of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs) was studied using a new simple and fast porphyrin method, which did not require the extraction step. Extent of primary biodegradation of a nonylphenol ethoxylates (NP-10) was excess of 92% after 1.5 days, and reached 99% after 2 days, which was similar to the results obtained using modified CTAS (thiocyanate active substances) method. Degradation of benzene ring of NP-10 was studied using U-V-absorbance at 277 nm in chloroform. Results showed that only little of benzene ring was degraded. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.