Phosphates in detergent

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Phosphates in detergent refers to the use of phosphates as an ingredient in a detergent product. The advantage of using phosphates in a consumer laundry detergent or dishwashing detergent is that they make detergents more efficient by chelating calcium and magnesium ions. [1] The disadvantage of using phosphates is that they remain in wastewater and eventually make their way to a natural body of water. [1] While phosphates are low toxicity, they instead cause nutrient pollution and feed the algae. This leads to eutrophication and harmful algal bloom. [1]

Contents

Many countries have banned the use of phosphates in detergent, including the European Union and the United States. [2] [3]

Regulation

In 1977 the United States Environmental Protection Agency published a position paper advocating for a phosphate ban in detergents. Detergent Phosphate Ban Position Paper USEPA.pdf
In 1977 the United States Environmental Protection Agency published a position paper advocating for a phosphate ban in detergents.

States including Maine, Florida, and Indiana in the United States began restricting or banning the use of phosphates in laundry detergent in the early 1970s, culminating in a nationwide voluntary ban in 1994. [3] In July 2010, 17 states followed up with bans on its use in automatic dishwasher detergent. [4] [5]

In 2004, the European Union introduced regulations to require biodegradability in all detergents. [6]

In 2011 the European Commission announced that the European Parliament had ordered a ban of phosphates in consumer laundry detergent by June 2013 and a ban in dishwasher detergent by January 2017. [2] [7]

Australia began phasing out the use of phosphates in its detergents in 2011, with an all-out ban expected to take effect in 2014. [8]

Canada banned some phosphates in detergent in 2011. [9]

Italy started phasing out phosphates in the 1980s. [10]

Pursuant to findings published in 2006 by the Shenkar College of Engineering and Design indicating that liquid detergents are "much more environment-friendly" than powdered detergents, Israel's Ministry of the Environment began recommending that consumers prefer liquid detergent over powdered ones "for laundry which is not heavily stained." [11]

Discussion of banning phosphates from detergents in the United States started because of pollution of the Great Lakes. [12] Seventeen US states have partial or full bans on the use of phosphates in dish detergent, [13] and two US states (Maryland and New York) ban phosphates in commercial dishwashing. In 1983 there was a corruption scandal in which industry sought to influence government regulators regarding the ban. [14]

Some dishwashing detergents may contain phosphorus, an ingredient which at least two states in the United States have limited use in dishwashing detergent. [15] [16]

Environmental impact

Phosphates have low toxicity in the environment but cause nutrient pollution, a major water quality problem in many watersheds. [17] Phosphates in water cause eutrophication of algae which creates conditions favorable to formation of harmful algal blooms. These blooms prevent light and oxygen from getting into the water, leading to the death of organisms in the ecosystem. [1]

Studies have revisited the question of whether existing household phosphate bans are effective in reducing phosphorus concentration in waterways, and subsequent algal blooms. A 2014 case study of Vermont phosphate policies around Lake Champlain showed that while the bans reduced the phosphate contribution by treated wastewater from households to five percent of the total contribution, phosphate levels did not decline and in fact increased slightly, due primarily to increased contributions of similar magnitudes from stormwater runoff and agricultural sources. As a result, algal blooms have continued to worsen. [18]

Most dishwasher detergent contains complex phosphates, as they have several properties that aid in effective cleaning. However, the same chemicals have been removed from laundry detergents in many countries as a result of concerns raised about the increase in algal blooms in waterways caused by increasing phosphate levels (see eutrophication).

Phosphorus that runs into freshwater lakes and rivers can cause algal blooms. [16] [19] Phosphate-free detergent reduces the amount of phosphate that wastewater treatment plants must clean up. [16]

From the 1960s-2010s the standard way to determine the amount of phosphate in water has been using colorimetry. [20] It is possible to use optical sensors for measurements, which could be easier and cheaper, but this is not a common practice. [20]

Uses

Sodium tripolyphosphate was an excellent builder used in laundry detergent powders. [21] However, due to issues of biodegradability many countries have banned the use of phosphates in detergents. Manufacturers are using substitutes such as EDTA and other biodegradable chemicals instead.

Phosphates bind calcium and magnesium ions to prevent 'hard-water' type limescale deposits. They can cause ecological damage, so their use is starting to be phased out. Phosphate-free detergents are sold as eco-friendly detergents.

In the 21st century phosphates began to be reduced in percentage terms as an ingredient, leading to a New York Times report that said "low- or phosphate-free dishwasher detergents it tested, including those from environmentally friendly product lines that have been on the market for years, none matched the performance of products with phosphates". [4]

Society and culture

History of discussion

There was a conflict between industry which wanted to continue to use phosphates and advocates of banning who wanted to preserve water quality. [22]

In the 1960s scientists recognized that phosphates in water caused eutrophication. [23] There was disagreement at that time about whether water with high phosphate came to have the chemical because of somehow being polluted with it. [23] By the 1970s it was established that high phosphate levels in water were a consequence of pollution. [23] Discussion began about how to respond to the effects of phosphates as a pollutant in both fresh and marine water. [23]

Marketing

Detergent companies claimed it is not cost effective to make separate batches of detergent for the states with phosphate bans (although detergents are typically formulated for local markets), and so most have voluntarily removed phosphates from all dishwasher detergents. [24] According to The Washington Post, phosphorus keeps "minerals from interfering with the cleaning process and prevent food particles from depositing again on dishes." [16] According to Time magazine, "One reason detergent makers have been using large amounts of phosphorus is that it binds with dirt and keeps it suspended in water, allowing the other cleaning agents to do their best work. Phosphorus is especially important in regions with hard water because the presence of lots of minerals can interfere with cleaning agents." [19]

Marketplace response

Product testing by Consumer Reports found that new detergent formulations without phosphates, but with chemicals such as sodium citrate, polyacrylates, polycarboxylates, and tetrasodium etidronate did not wash dishes as well but were satisfactory replacement products. [25] [26] [4] [27] [28] Similarly, testing found that phosphate bans in laundry detergent led to newer products which did not clean clothes as well but still could compete with the older products containing phosphate. [29] [30]

A 1973 paper in psychology predicted a consumer response from the perspective of removing a behavioral freedom. [31]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Algal bloom</span> Rapid increase or accumulation in the population of planktonic algae

An algal bloom or algae bloom is a rapid increase or accumulation in the population of algae in freshwater or marine water systems. It is often recognized by the discoloration in the water from the algae's pigments. The term algae encompasses many types of aquatic photosynthetic organisms, both macroscopic multicellular organisms like seaweed and microscopic unicellular organisms like cyanobacteria. Algal bloom commonly refers to the rapid growth of microscopic unicellular algae, not macroscopic algae. An example of a macroscopic algal bloom is a kelp forest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eutrophication</span> Excessive plant growth in response to excess nutrient availability

Eutrophication is the process by which an entire body of water, or parts of it, becomes progressively enriched with minerals and nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. It has also been defined as "nutrient-induced increase in phytoplankton productivity". Water bodies with very low nutrient levels are termed oligotrophic and those with moderate nutrient levels are termed mesotrophic. Advanced eutrophication may also be referred to as dystrophic and hypertrophic conditions. Eutrophication can affect freshwater or salt water systems. In freshwater ecosystems it is almost always caused by excess phosphorus. In coastal waters on the other hand, the main contributing nutrient is more likely to be nitrogen, or nitrogen and phosphorus together. This depends on the location and other factors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dishwasher</span> Machine that washes dishes automatically

A dishwasher is a machine that is used to clean dishware, cookware, and cutlery automatically. Unlike manual dishwashing, which relies heavily on physical scrubbing to remove soiling, the mechanical dishwasher cleans by spraying hot water, typically between 45 and 75 °C, at the dishes, with lower temperatures of water used for delicate items.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Detergent</span> Surfactants with cleansing properties

A detergent is a surfactant or a mixture of surfactants with cleansing properties when in dilute solutions. There are a large variety of detergents, a common family being the alkylbenzene sulfonates, which are soap-like compounds that are more soluble in hard water, because the polar sulfonate is less likely than the polar carboxylate to bind to calcium and other ions found in hard water.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trisodium phosphate</span> Chemical compound

Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula Na3PO4. It is a white, granular or crystalline solid, highly soluble in water, producing an alkaline solution. TSP is used as a cleaning agent, builder, lubricant, food additive, stain remover, and degreaser.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Water pollution</span> Contamination of water bodies

Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, usually as a result of human activities, so that it negatively affects its uses. Water bodies include lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers, reservoirs and groundwater. Water pollution results when contaminants mix with these water bodies. Contaminants can come from one of four main sources: sewage discharges, industrial activities, agricultural activities, and urban runoff including stormwater. Water pollution is either surface water pollution or groundwater pollution. This form of pollution can lead to many problems, such as the degradation of aquatic ecosystems or spreading water-borne diseases when people use polluted water for drinking or irrigation. Another problem is that water pollution reduces the ecosystem services that the water resource would otherwise provide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dishwashing</span> Process of cleaning cooking utensils and other items to prevent foodborne illness

Dishwashing, washing the dishes, doing the dishes, or washing up in Great Britain, is the process of cleaning cooking utensils, dishes, cutlery and other items to prevent foodborne illness. This is either achieved by hand in a sink using dishwashing detergent or by using a dishwasher and may take place in a kitchen, utility room, scullery or elsewhere. There are cultural divisions over rinsing and drying after washing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fairy (brand)</span>

Fairy is an international brand, primarily used for washing up liquid and dishwasher detergent, owned by the American multinational consumer products company, Procter & Gamble. The brand originated in the United Kingdom and is now used on a number of P&G products in various markets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laundry detergent</span> Type of detergent used for cleaning laundry

Laundry detergent is a type of detergent used for cleaning dirty laundry (clothes). Laundry detergent is manufactured in powder and liquid form.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dishwashing liquid</span> Detergent used for cleaning dishes

Dishwashing liquid, also known as dishwashing soap, dish detergent, and dish soap is a detergent used to assist in dishwashing. It is usually a highly-foaming mixture of surfactants with low skin irritation, and is primarily used for hand washing of glasses, plates, cutlery, and cooking utensils in a sink or bowl. In addition to its primary use, dishwashing liquid also has various informal applications, such as for creating bubbles, clothes washing and cleaning oil-affected birds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wastewater quality indicators</span> Ways to test the suitability of wastewater

Wastewater quality indicators are laboratory test methodologies to assess suitability of wastewater for disposal, treatment or reuse. The main parameters in sewage that are measured to assess the sewage strength or quality as well as treatment options include: solids, indicators of organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, indicators of fecal contamination. Tests selected vary with the intended use or discharge location. Tests can measure physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the wastewater. Physical characteristics include temperature and solids. Chemical characteristics include pH value, dissolved oxygen concentrations, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrogen, phosphorus, chlorine. Biological characteristics are determined with bioassays and aquatic toxicology tests.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phosphorus cycle</span> Biogeochemical movement

The phosphorus cycle is the biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Unlike many other biogeochemical cycles, the atmosphere does not play a significant role in the movement of phosphorus, because phosphorus and phosphorus-based compounds are usually solids at the typical ranges of temperature and pressure found on Earth. The production of phosphine gas occurs in only specialized, local conditions. Therefore, the phosphorus cycle should be viewed from whole Earth system and then specifically focused on the cycle in terrestrial and aquatic systems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harmful algal bloom</span> Population explosion of organisms that can kill marine life

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) is an algal bloom that causes negative impacts to other organisms by production of natural algae-produced toxins, mechanical damage to other organisms, or by other means. HABs are sometimes defined as only those algal blooms that produce toxins, and sometimes as any algal bloom that can result in severely lower oxygen levels in natural waters, killing organisms in marine or fresh waters. Blooms can last from a few days to many months. After the bloom dies, the microbes that decompose the dead algae use up more of the oxygen, generating a "dead zone" which can cause fish die-offs. When these zones cover a large area for an extended period of time, neither fish nor plants are able to survive. Harmful algal blooms in marine environments are often called "red tides".

Traditionally, soap has been made from animal or plant derived fats and has been used by humans for cleaning purposes for several thousand years. Soap is not harmful to human health but, like any natural or unnatural surfactant, it does have the potential to cause environmental harm by forming a surface film that impedes the diffusion of oxygen into the water if it is added to an aquatic environment faster than it can biodegrade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nutrient pollution</span> Contamination of water by excessive inputs of nutrients

Nutrient pollution, a form of water pollution, refers to contamination by excessive inputs of nutrients. It is a primary cause of eutrophication of surface waters, in which excess nutrients, usually nitrogen or phosphorus, stimulate algal growth. Sources of nutrient pollution include surface runoff from farm fields and pastures, discharges from septic tanks and feedlots, and emissions from combustion. Raw sewage is a large contributor to cultural eutrophication since sewage is high in nutrients. Releasing raw sewage into a large water body is referred to as sewage dumping, and still occurs all over the world. Excess reactive nitrogen compounds in the environment are associated with many large-scale environmental concerns. These include eutrophication of surface waters, harmful algal blooms, hypoxia, acid rain, nitrogen saturation in forests, and climate change.

Environmental impacts of cleaning products entail the consequences that come as a result of chemical compounds in cleaning products. These cleaning products can contain chemicals that have detrimental impacts on the environment or on people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dishwasher detergent</span> Type of detergent specifically used to wash dishes in a dishwasher

Dishwasher detergent is a detergent made for washing dishes in a dishwasher. Dishwasher detergent is different from dishwashing liquid made to wash dishes by hand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Detergent enzymes</span> Biological enzymes that are used as laundry detergents

Detergent enzymes are biological enzymes that are used with detergents. They catalyze the reaction between stains and the water solution, thus aiding stain removal and improving efficiency. Laundry detergent enzymes are the largest application of industrial enzymes.

Lake 226 is one lake in Canada's Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) in Ontario. The ELA is a freshwater and fisheries research facility that operated these experiments alongside Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment Canada. In 1968 this area in northwest Ontario was set aside for limnological research, aiming to study the watershed of the 58 small lakes in this area. The ELA projects began as a response to the claim that carbon was the limiting agent causing eutrophication of lakes rather than phosphorus, and that monitoring phosphorus in the water would be a waste of money. This claim was made by soap and detergent companies, as these products do not biodegrade and can cause buildup of phosphates in water supplies that lead to eutrophication. The theory that carbon was the limiting agent was quickly debunked by the ELA Lake 227 experiment that began in 1969, which found that carbon could be drawn from the atmosphere to remain proportional to the input of phosphorus in the water. Experimental Lake 226 was then created to test phosphorus' impact on eutrophication by itself.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Kogawa, Ana Carolina; Cernic, Beatriz Gamberini; do Couto, Leandro Giovanni Domingos; Salgado, Hérida Regina Nunes (February 2017). "Synthetic detergents: 100 years of history". Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal. 25 (6): 934–938. doi:10.1016/j.jsps.2017.02.006. PMC   5605839 . PMID   28951681.
  2. 1 2 European Commission (14 December 2011). "EP supports ban of phosphates in consumer detergents". europa.eu. Retrieved 20 March 2017.
  3. 1 2 Litke, David W. (1999). "USGS WRI99-4007 Review of Phosphorus Control Measures in the United States and Their Effects on Water Quality". pubs.usgs.gov. United States Geological Survey . Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  4. 1 2 3 Navarro, Mireya (18 September 2010). "Cleaner for the Environment, Not for the Dishes". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  5. ↑ Stevenson, Seth (27 December 2011). "The Dishwasher Wars". Slate. ISSN   1091-2339 . Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  6. ↑ "Detergents Guidance Document". Health and Safety Executive. Archived from the original on 26 August 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  7. ↑ European Commission (4 April 2007). "Pursuant to Article 16 of Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 on detergents, concerning the use of phosphates". eur-lex.europa.eu. Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  8. ↑ Barlass, Tim (12 June 2011). "Detergents to dump phosphates". The Sydney Morning Herald . Retrieved 15 June 2011. He is now in discussions with a detergent industry group about retiring the P phosphate symbol once the full ban starts in 2014.
  9. ↑ Wallace, Kenyon (6 January 2011). "Phosphate ban means streaky dishes". National Post . Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  10. ↑ "Italy bans phosphates from lauandry detergents" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-12-03. Retrieved 2017-03-20.
  11. ↑ "Reducing Wastewater Salinity from Detergents" (PDF). Ministry of the Environment (Israel) . Retrieved 15 June 2011.
  12. ↑ Alexander, GR (September 1977). "The rationale for a ban on detergent phosphate in the Great Lakes Basin". Ciba Foundation Symposium. Novartis Foundation Symposia (57): 269–84. doi:10.1002/9780470720387.ch15. ISBN   9780470720387. PMID   249680.
  13. ↑ "Md. Dish Soap Bill Might Help Clean Bay". Washingtonpost.com. 2007-03-03. Retrieved 2012-06-20.
  14. ↑ Maitland, Leslie (24 March 1983). "TOP E.P.A. OFFICIAL IS ACCUSED OF INTERVENING IN BEHALF OF COMPANY". The New York Times.
  15. ↑ Dills, Isabelle (17 June 2008). "Washington State Begins Ban On Dishwashing Detergents". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 10 January 2015.
  16. 1 2 3 4 Rein, Lisa (23 March 2007). "Maryland Takes Step To Clean Up Detergent". The Washington Post . Retrieved 10 January 2015.
  17. ↑ Ashforth, G.K.; Calvin, George (January 1973). "Safety evaluation of substitutes for phosphates in detergents". Water Research. 7 (1–2): 309–320. doi:10.1016/0043-1354(73)90171-1.
  18. ↑ Osherenko, Gail (Spring 2014). "Understanding the Failure to Reduce Phosphorus Loading in Lake Champlain: Lessons for Governance". Vermont Journal of Environmental Law. 15 (2): 323–360. doi:10.2307/vermjenvilaw.15.2.323. JSTOR   vermjenvilaw.15.2.323.
  19. 1 2 Walsh, Bryan (13 November 2010). "Greener Dishwashing: A Farewell to Phosphates". Time.
  20. 1 2 Warwick, Christopher; Guerreiro, Antonio; Soares, Ana (March 2013). "Sensing and analysis of soluble phosphates in environmental samples: A review". Biosensors and Bioelectronics. 41: 1–11. doi:10.1016/j.bios.2012.07.012. PMID   22995452.
  21. ↑ "Detergent Builders - Process Economics Program Report 183". ihsmarkit.com. 2021. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
  22. ↑ Knud-Hansen, Chris (February 1994). "HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE PHOSPHATE DETERGENT CONFLICT". www.colorado.edu. CONFLICT RESEARCH CONSORTIUM. Archived from the original on 28 May 2010. Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  23. 1 2 3 4 Lee, G. Fred; Rast, Walter; Jones, R. Anne (August 1978). "Water Report: Eutrophication of water bodies: Insights for an age old problem". Environmental Science & Technology. 12 (8): 900–908. Bibcode:1978EnST...12..900L. doi:10.1021/es60144a606.
  24. ↑ "Phosphate Free Dishwasher Detergent Leaves Dishes Dirty". GE Appliances. Retrieved 2013-11-30.
  25. ↑ "The chemistry behind how dishwashers clean". 23 May 2018.
  26. ↑ "Low-Phosphate Dishwasher Detergents That Work". Consumer Reports . 3 August 2010. Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  27. ↑ McCoy, Michael (24 January 2011). "Goodbye, Phosphates". Chemical & Engineering News. 89 (4). Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  28. ↑ Ebeling, Ashlea (8 June 2007). "Environmental Activists Get Under Your Sink". Forbes. Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  29. ↑ McGrath, Susan (23 July 1994). "It All Comes Out in the Wash". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  30. ↑ "The Great Soap Opera". Consumer Reports : 413–422. July 1987.
  31. ↑ Mazis, Michael B.; Settle, Robert B.; Leslie, Dennis C. (November 1973). "Elimination of Phosphate Detergents and Psychological Reactance". Journal of Marketing Research. 10 (4): 390. doi:10.2307/3149386. JSTOR   3149386.
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