Phosphorous is an element which occurs naturally in the environment as phosphorous rock. It is essential to life and is required by all living cells in order for them to function. One of the most widely used properties of phosphates is their ability to promote growth of all plant life, hence their widespread use in fertilisers.

When excess plant nutrients, especially phorporous, enter our rivers and lakes they increase the amount of nutrients available for plant growth. A process known as Eutrophication. This causes excessive growth of plants such as algae, causing what is known as algal bloom and appearing to turn the lake green.

Algal blooms on the surface of the lake shading the plants growing underneath. These plants then die and are decomposed. This decomposition is carried out by micro organisms who require oxygen in order to live. In decomposing the plants in the lake the micro organisms require more oxygen than is naturally available and the oxygen levels in the lake will be used up. This results in a very unhealthy lake incapable of supporting plant and animal life. The lake dies.

The major cause of excess phosphates is from agricultural run- off. Fertilisers are washed off the land, down the streams and rivers into our lakes. The second major source of phosphates is from industrial waste. Washing your clothes and other fabrics can add up to 15% of total phosphates.

Phosphates have been an important ingredient in fabric and dishwasher detergents for a number of reasons:-

• they tie up minerals, like lime, in the wash water which interfere with cleaning, ie., soften the water.

• they help break down dirt on fabrics and keep that dirt from settling back on the clothes.

• they help provide alkalinity for effective cleaning

• they help in the production of crisp free flowing powders which aids the product in dispersing throughout the wash.

In powders/liquids that utilise phosphates to carry out these functions, the phosphate content can be up to 25% of that detergent. Alternatives to phosphates in fabric detergents are now being developed

Your household can help to reduce the amount of phosphates entering our rivers and lakes by reducing the amounts of phosphates used in your washing.

Detergent manufacturers have taken steps in recent years to look for alternatives to phosphates. One such alternative is a material known as Zeolite and it is this material which is used in the new 'compact' detergent powders and liquids. By choosing products containing zeolite you can reduce phosphate pollution of water.

Make the change -

Less phosphate for healthier water and a healthier environment

The change to low phosphate detergents - especially the compact types - can also help the environment in other ways:

Each detergent box, or container, has an ingredients panel. By checking the ingredients, you can see whether your detergent contains phosphates or zeolites.