Environmental responsibility
phosphates and the environment
Phosphorus is an essential element in life and health of animals and plants. Is one of the main nutrients for living creatures. Among its functions are: assisting in the mechanisms of transport and storage of energy within cells, in photosynthesis in plants, in the formation of bones and teeth in animals, in the construction of genetic material, being this way essential for life.
In animals and human beings, phosphorus represents 20% of the minerals in the body.
Nowadays we use phosphorus derivatives for a wide variety of purposes, such as fertilizers for our crops for bigger and better harvests; to feed our animals for them to grow healthy; in laundry, industrial and institutional detergents, in water treatment; in the preparation and preserving of food and beverages; as a nutritional suppliment, etc.
Phosphates are bio-degradable since they are consumed by bacteria, weed and plants. Phosphates are also recyclable.
Phosphates and the environment
Phosphates are found naturally in soil and water and are part of the life cycle, they are ingested and therefore excreted by all organisms, they are non-toxic, biodegradable and recyclable.
The only negative impact related to phosphates and other chemical elements that are part of the food chain such as Nitrogen is "eutrophication", that is, nutrient enrichment of surface waters, resulting in an excessive development of plants and weed. For this "eutrophication" to happen it is also necessary an excess of Nitrogen and sun light. Also, soil dehydration and erosion are serious factors that contribute to the development of this phenomena.
In some areas of developed countries where phosphates in detergents have been prohibited due to eutrophication, an improvement has not been apparented after several years since the contribution of phosphorus from phosphates is small compared with human and animal waste, and the phosphorus compounds coming from agricultural use. On the other hand, the use of substitutes represents the use of non-biodegradable products that may lead to a bigger negative impact to the environment.
The problem of "eutrophication" has several solutions such as: a better use of detergents, control of the level of phosphates in lakes, prevention of dehydration and erosion of soils, reforestation programs, creation of vegetal barriers, waste water treatment and water recycling, etc.
Further information about this topic can be found in:
www.ceep-phosphates.org
www.phosphatesfacts.org
www.phosphate-forum.org