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Increased amounts of nutrients (in particular, Phosphorous) lead to eutrophication of water and die off of most aquatic life.

'In the 1960s, detergent manufacturers waged an advertising battle over who had the longest lasting suds, and detergent compounds quickly appeared in the waterways. Suds began to appear in streams, rivers, lakes, and at the foot of Niagara falls, piles of discolored detergent foam rose eight feet high.'

Detergents also contain phosphate additives to soften the water and thereby improve the effectiveness of the detergent molecules. It was noted that between 1940 and 1970 the amount of phosphates in city wastewater increased from 20,000 to 150,000 tons per year.

With the increase in phosphates, algal blooms grew splendidly on the excess phosphorous and consumed the majority of all oxygen in the waters, killing fish and plants. Algal blooms block out sunlight and cause oxygen imbalances in a body of water; and as a result kill off other species.

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Communities have banned detergents containing high levels of phosphates because phosphates can lead to water pollution by promoting excessive algae growth in bodies of water, creating harmful algal blooms. These blooms can deplete oxygen levels in water, harm aquatic ecosystems, and have negative impacts on human health. By banning phosphates in detergents, communities aim to reduce water pollution and protect their environment.

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