Industrial detergents response

The efforts of the detergent industry toward solution of its part of the eutrophication problem are, at this point, less complete than its response to the biodegradabihty problem. Soda ash, Na2C02, sodium siUcate, and, to a lesser extent, sodium citrate formed the basis of the early formulations marketed in the areas where phosphates were harmed. Technically, these substances are considerably less effective than sodium tripolyphosphate. As a precipitant builder, soda ash can lead to undesirable deposits of calcium carbonate on textiles and on washing machines. 

For decades the problem of stability has plagued colloid chemists and others engaged in the manufacture and use of dispersions. Only a determined practical approach to the solution of this problem has been responsible for the modest accumulation of theoretical knowledge in existence today. In the field of dispersions, for example, problems of physical instability have been solved for paints, pharmaceuticals, adhesives, asphalt, detergents, and commodities used in the graphic arts, in addition to the numerous successful encounters with instability (or sometimes with undesired stability) in the food industry. 

Investigation of the pronounced resistance of ABS to microbial degradation demonstrated that the branched alkyl chain derived from tetrapropylene was responsible for the longevity of ABS in the aquatic environment [74], Shortly after this discovery, the surfactant industry reacted and made attempts—in some countries additionally forced by legal restrictions—to provide an alternative surfactant with comparable functional properties, but with inherent biodegradability. The outcome was the introduction of LAS on the detergent market. After the switch from ABS to LAS in almost all nations in the mid 1960s, a substantial drop in the levels of ABS was observed [8],... 

The same sources that emit elemental phosphorus to air are also responsible for its emission to water. In its initial states of operation, the ERCO plant in Newfoundland, Canada, which produced white phosphorus, discharged 68-91 kg/day of colloidal white phosphorus into the Long Harbor inlet of Placentia Bay in Newfoundland. Elemental phosphorus was found in both the effluent water and the bottom sediment of Long Harbor (Davidson et al. 1987 EPA 1991). White phosphorus is also expected to be found in the effluents from user industries where it is converted into products such as phosphoric acid and phosphate, detergents, fireworks, insecticide, rat poisons, flotation agents, and red phosphorus (Idler et al. 1981). 

The result was the appearance of significant amounts of foam at water treatment plants and in rivers where there was sufficient agitation. This image of foam in rivers with some being blown in the wind has had a marked impact both on the responsibilities taken by the detergent industry as well as on subsequent legislation. 

Polyethylene is used for milk, food, and detergent bottles. Polypropylene is used for outdoor carpeting for home and sports stadia. Polyfvinyl chloride) is used for home siding and plastic pipe. Polystyrene is used for hot drinking cups and fast-food containers. Polytetrafluoroethylene is used for nonstick cookware. Polymerization of these and other alkenes on an industrial scale is responsible for producing over 50 billion lb per year of plastic and elastomer products in the United States. 

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