Phosphates and Solvents?
These are two small words, but the impact is immeasurable. We explain why:
Phosphates
STPP in Laundry Detergents
STPP (Sodium Tripolyphosphate) is the most common “builder” used in laundry detergents and other cleaning products such as dish-washing liquid, worldwide.
STPP contains high levels of phosphates, or phosphorus, which is one of the three main elements in plant nutrition. Since it does not migrate out of soil easily, it is generally the most limited nutrient in fresh water bodies.
Hartbeespoort Polution
In other words, nitrogen and potassium, the two other major essential plant nutrients, can be in water in abundance, but if phosphate levels are limited, then algae growth will be suppressed. With untreated municipal sewage entering lakes, the phosphate concentrations can go up and enable algae growth to the point where oxygen in the water is depleted and cause destruction to the ecosystem. Hartbeespoort Dam is a good example of these events.
This is why the use of STPP in laundry detergents has been banned in most states in the U.S. and Europe. The Australian government will also implement the ban in 2014 due to the severe ecological damage caused by these phosphates.
None of the laundry detergent manufacturers in South Africa are obligated to inform and make the consumer aware of this problem.
A huge number of informal settlements mostly do their laundry in rivers and other fresh water bodies without being aware of the damage that is being caused to the environment.
Why this problem has not been addressed by our government or the municipalities, is unclear.
Solvents
Petroleum Pollution
Most people use many different types of solvents and detergents – in the home, in business and in industry. Most solvents are petroleum products, so their supply will eventually be restricted by depletion of hydrocarbon resources and concern is growing about possible effects on human health. Many solvents and detergents do not break down readily when they are disposed of.
These products are developed with substitutes of biological origin for solvents used in the production of paint, offset-printing ink and detergents. This will help to lessen dependence on non-renewable resources, safeguard human health and protect the environment.
If all consumers use phosphate and solvent free detergents imagine the possible impact on our water resources.