Organic phosphonates from detergents and cleaning agents sometimes reach the aquatic environment via municipal waste water treatment plants. In a monitoring process, the levels in two treatment plants, in river water, sediments and suspended matter were quantified using a new trace method (IC-ESI-MS/MS).
Phosphonates are complexing agents that are difficult to break down and which contaminate water bodies through waste water. As part of the project it was established that the main proportion of phosphonates that enter the waste water originate from cleaning agents and detergents. The phosphonates used in detergents and cleaning products are known, though the data on their behaviour and retention in the environment is currently insufficient and does not permit an environmental risk assessment.
At the start of the project, suitable methods were developed to analyse phosphates, relevant to detergents and cleaning agents, in sediment and water samples. Based on these methods, the retention in the environment was then investigated, using two selected waste water treatment plants and waters as an example.
It became clear from the project that phosphonates pass through waste water treatment plants in relevant quantities and accumulate in the aquatic environment long term. An adverse impact on water organisms cannot be excluded. Based on the results on the retention of detergent-relevant phosphonates in the environment, the German Environment Agency should derive recommendations for action to effectively reduce the pollution caused by these persistent ingredients.
Publications:
Happel, O.; Armbruster, D.; Rott, E.; Minke, R.; Gast, M.: Phosphonate in der aquatischen Umwelt [Phosphonates in the aquatic environment]. Vom Wasser 116(2), 53-56 (2018)
