What are the effects of detergent on the environment?

Question

preferrably harmful effects

Answer 1

What does biodegradable mean?
The term biodegradable means the ability of a material to be broken down into its simplest chemicals such as water, carbon dioxide and mineral salts by organisms called decomposers (e.g. many bacteria). The Australian Standard for Biodegradability (AS 4351.1 - 1996) provides information on determining and reporting biodegradability.

Although people may believe they are doing the right thing by washing their cars with biodegradable detergent it is important to remember that these detergents can harm the environment too and that wastewater should never enter our waterways.

Phosphate-containing detergents
When phosphate detergents are used, disposal of the wash wastewater is an environmental issue. The breakdown of the phosphorus complexes in phosphate detergent wastewater (and in other household products, and in human and industrial wastes containing phosphates) creates biologically available phosphates. In waterways these can contribute to an oversupply of phosphate. Low concentrations of plant nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, can limit plant and algae growth. When phosphates from the sources mentioned above are introduced to waterways any phosphorus-limitation may be removed and may cause excessive algae growth which, in turn, can lead to:

increased numbers of insects, crustaceans and fish in the waterway which, when they and the algae die and decompose, can reduce oxygen in the water to such low levels that other aquatic organisms are killed
the release of toxins by some cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that can kill other organisms and make the water unsuitable for humans, livestock and wildlife.
For these reasons wastewater containing phosphate detergents should be directed to the sewerage system and not be allowed to wash into the stormwater drain.



Phosphate-free detergents
Disposal of phosphate-free detergent wastewater is also an environmental issue. Phosphates are primarily used in detergents as 'builders', which remove calcium ions, and allow surfactants (the cleaning agents) to work more effectively. In phosphate-free detergents the phosphates are replaced by either:

alternative builders such as zeolites or alternative builders and an increased concentration of surfactants.
The problem with this is that surfactants are among the most toxic compounds in detergents and have been implicated in decreasing the ability of aquatic organisms to breed. To minimise the environmental harm caused by phosphate-free detergents they must be treated in sewage treatment plants. Unfortunately, even after treatment the effects of some alternative builders remain.



Most algae are an important part of the ecosystem; however their presence in excessive amounts becomes an environmental problem.

Finally
Biodegradable detergents can cause problems in our stormwater systems, streams and rivers. Ensure that no wash wastewater is permitted to enter these systems. Ensure that all wash wastewater is either collected by a licensed waste disposal company or a trade waste permit is obtained to dispose of it into the sewerage system.

AND IN THE USA
What is the Safer Detergents Stewardship Initiative?
EPA is developing the Safer Detergents Stewardship Initiative (SDSI) to recognize companies, facilities, and others who voluntarily phase out or commit to phasing out the manufacture or use of nonylphenol ethoxylate surfactants, commonly referred to as NPEs. These surfactants are used in detergents in cleaning and other products. Both nonylphenol ethoxylates and their breakdown products, such as nonylphenol, can harm aquatic life.

The Safer Detergents Initiative will complement EPA's Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Nonylphenol. These criteria are designed to protect aquatic life in both fresh and saltwater and can form the basis for state and tribal water quality standards. For more information, see the Aquatic Life Criteria for Nonylphenol.

How will Safer Detergents Complement the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Nonylphenol?
Nonylphenol is both an intermediate in the manufacture of nonylphenol ethoxylate surfactants and an ultimate degradation product. Nonylphenol ethoxylate surfactants are used in many sectors including cleaning and industrial processes. The Design for the Environment Program has identified safer alternatives through its partnership work with industry and environmental advocates. These safer alternative surfactants are comparable in cost and are readily available. The Safer Detergents Initiative will encourage the manufacture and use of safer surfactants, reducing the amount of nonylphenol ethoxylate surfactants and nonylphenol in streams. This preventive action will assist in attainment of the Aquatic Life Criteria for Nonylphenol published in the Federal Register in February 2006.

Who is Eligible for Recognition?
The Safer Detergents Stewardship Initiative will work with and recognize two types of participants: those who have phased-out the manufacture or use of nonylphenol ethoxylate surfactants, and those who commit to a phase-out and take action to implement it. Participants could include suppliers, formulators, retailers/distributors, end-users, and others who actively encourage the use of safer surfactants.

How Can I Get More Information?
EPA held a public meeting on June 12, 2006 to solicit stakeholder views on SDSI. A summary of the meeting notes is available in the meeting docket at http://www.regulations.gov, document number: EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0343-0002, docket number: EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0343.

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Answer 2

Increased amounts of nutrients (in particular, Phosphorous) lead to eutrophication of water and die off of most aquatic life.
I found an interesting tidbit from wikipedia, "
In the 1960s, detergent manufacturers waged an advertising battle over who had the longest lasting suds, and detergent compounds quickly appeared in the waterways. Suds began to appear in streams, rivers, lakes, and at the foot of Niagara Falls, piles of discolored detergent foam rose eight feet high.

Detergents also contain phosphate additives to soften the water and thereby improve the effectiveness of the detergent molecules. It was noted that between 1940 and 1970 the amount of phosphates in city wastewater increased from 20,000 to 150,000 tons per year.

With the increase in phosphates, algal blooms grew splendidly on the excess phosphorous and consumed the majority of all oxygen in the waters, killing fish and plants"

Answer 3

Synthetic detergents in washing powder, pollute water and cause skin allergies