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Detergents can have poisonous effects in all types of aquatic life if they are present in sufficient quantities, and this includes the biodegradable detergents. All detergents destroy the external mucus layers that protect the fish from bacteria and parasites; plus they can cause severe damage to the gills. Most fish will die when detergent concentrations approach 15 parts per million. Detergent concentrations as low as 5 ppm will kill fish eggs. Surfactant detergents are implicated in decreasing the breeding ability of aquatic organisms.
Detergents also add another problem for aquatic life by lowering the surface tension of the water. Organic chemicals such as pesticides and phenols are then much more easily absorbed by the fish. A detergent concentration of only 2 ppm can cause fish to absorb double the amount of chemicals they would normally absorb, although that concentration itself is not high enough to affect fish directly.
Phosphates in detergents can lead to freshwater algal blooms that releases toxins and deplete oxygen in waterways. When the algae decompose, they use up the oxygen available for aquatic life.
The main contributors to the toxicity of detergents were the sodium silicate solution and the surfactants-with the remainder of the components contributing very little to detergent toxicity. The potential for acute aquatic toxic effects due to the release of secondary or tertiary sewage effluents containing the breakdown products of laundry detergents may frequently be low. However, untreated or primary treated effluents containing detergents may pose a problem. Chronic and/or other sublethal effects that were not examined in this study may also pose a problem.
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What are harmful effects of soaps and detergents?
Soaps are made from natural fats and oils and so are fully biodegradable. Detergents on the other hand are made from synthetic chemicals. These chemicals do not break down in the environment, and so they cause huge amount of pollution in our water ways- killing fish and water plants. This is due to the fact that detergents often contain phospahte salts that excelerate the growth of algae that deplete the oxygen content of the water. Detergents are often preferred over soap as they are more effective at cleaning and have a wider range of uses.
Does soap and detergents have the same effects in all water?
No; detergents have different recipes, but sometimes these are similar.
Can water be purified using detergents?
phosphate :)
Why do some people think that phosphate detergents are harmful?
There are actually two detergent additives which are very similar in name, sodium triphosphate and trisodium phosphate. Sodium triphosphate is used in many commercial products, particularly in detergents and degreasers, and as a food preservative. Phosphate detergents are not known to cause soil or air pollution. However, it can cause some ecological problems in waterways in that it can deplete oxygen and allow some less desirable water species to over produce. Also, it may be harmful to people in certain amounts.
Is radon harmful to cats?
Radon is harmful for all animals.
Why is detergent harmful to water and animals?
Detergent in the water will almost certainly introduce chemicals into the river. This will likely kill off fish, and other small animals which are at the bottom of the food chain. This in turn affects the predators that would usually eat the fish.
Why are soaps detergents harmful to the environment?
Soap detergents are harmful to the environment because they reduce the surface tension of the water. Once this happens, aquatic life will absorb the phenols, pesticides and other pollutants in the water.
What element in fertilizers and some detergents contributes to water pollution and growth of algae and water weeds?
Inorganic Fertilizers often contain nitrogen, which can cause eutrophication in bodies of water. Detergents containing phosphates are extremely harmful.
How is water pollution harmful to animals?
Water pollution is harmful to animals because when the animals eat or drink the water the water could poison the animal and the animal could die.
What are non-ammonia detergents?
non-ammonia detergents are safe and non-harmful or toxic to use
How is water harmful to animals?
it can be if the water is dirty or polluted
Do detergents harm your bodies?
yes,as they carry harmful chemicals...
Are detergents considered as water pollutant?
Detergents are not considered as water pollutants since the use of phosphates in detergents was outlawed.
Do laundry detergents have an effect on plant growth?
yes it is very harmful
Are laundry detergents eco-friendly?
All laundry detergents are not eco friendly. Eco-Friendly usually contain natural ingredients. The harmful laundry detergents contain bleach or phenol.
What kind of daily use articles are chemically hazardous?
Household cleaners, degreasers, garden pesticides, paints, batteries, stain removers, detergents, even flea powders can be hazardous to our health and indeed the environment. Laundry detergents usually contain high levels of phosphates, which are harmful if ingested and even more harmful when they get into water bodies.
What are harmful effects of soaps and detergents?
Soaps are made from natural fats and oils and so are fully biodegradable. Detergents on the other hand are made from synthetic chemicals. These chemicals do not break down in the environment, and so they cause huge amount of pollution in our water ways- killing fish and water plants. This is due to the fact that detergents often contain phospahte salts that excelerate the growth of algae that deplete the oxygen content of the water. Detergents are often preferred over soap as they are more effective at cleaning and have a wider range of uses.
