Detergent and Non-Detergent Phosphorus in Sewage

Introduction: Quantitative data on nutrient levels in sewage from homes which are using heavy-duty detergents and which have been restrcited from using such detergents is necessary before rational decisions on the removal of phosphorus from detergetn can be made. Furthermore, the effect of various standard sewage treatment schemes on phosphorus levels should be evaluated to determine the relative cost of such treatment. Then the cost (to society, the environment, and to the taxpayer) of phosphorus removal from detergent and/or from sewage effluents can be estimated and such data utilized to make the appropriate policy decisions. The report herein presented is concerned principally with developing basic data that will provide information as to the changes that occur in concentration, biostimulation, and phosphorus removal efficeincies with and without heavy-duty detergents