Detergent and Sewage Phosphates Entering into Lake Ecosystem and its Impact on Aquatic Environment

Detergent soaps and powders are used for washing clothes and are used in washing machines. Synthetic detergents are cleansing agents, which contains an active agent called surfactant that wets the fabrics, emulsifies oily matter, solubilises grime and keeps dirt in suspension. Phosphate originates mainly from detergents, human waste (Urine and faeces), agriculture run off and soil phosphates which reaches aquatic environment through sewage and affecting aquatic ecosystem. Different brands of commercially available synthetic detergent soaps, detergent powders and sewage were analysed for Phosphate content using Vanadate Molybdate method by standard procedure (APHA, 2005). The research finding states those Detergent builders Sodium tripolyphosphate (Na5P3O10) can be substituted by a phosphate free Zeolite (Na2Al2Si3O10.2H2O - Aluminium silicate). There are no separate legislations available in India to Control phosphates in Soaps, Detergents and Sewage which is polluting aquatic environment. An attempt was made to draft legislation to reduce phosphate content in detergent soaps and detergent powders