Detergents

AbstractDetergents are formulations that have cleaning and solubilization properties. Their main fields of application are industry (cleaning products, food, industrial processing), household (laundry, dishwashing), and personal care (soaps, shampoos, cosmetics). Detergents consist of surface‐active agents known as surfactants and other subsidiary components that include boosters, builders, and fillers. In 1996, the production of surfactants including soaps was reportedly around 30 × 109 kg per year worldwide. Detergents are thus environmentally important because they are used in huge quantities. Historically, potential detergent contamination of the environment followed when the use of soap‐based detergents changed to synthetic detergents. Detergents are discharged to the environment typically through wastewater treatment plant effluent and the use of sewage sludge on land. Industrial discharges to surface waters, oil spills, and surfactant‐enhanced remediation of contaminated soil can also be other sources. Biological treatment of wastewater typically removes 95% of the detergents and their metabolites. However, recent research has generated scientific and regulatory concern because certain detergents and their metabolites appear toxic to aquatic organisms. These studies also indicate that detergent metabolites are also more toxic than their parent compounds. The complexity of detergent products, it has also been shown, leads to synergistic effects.