Detergent and Sewage Phosphates Entering into Lake Ecosystem and its Impact on Aquatic Environment

Detergent soaps and powders are used for washing clothes and are used in washing machines. Synthetic detergents are cleansing agents, which contains an active agent called surfactant that wets the fabrics, emulsifies oily matter, solubilises grime and keeps dirt in suspension. Phosphate originates mainly from detergents, human waste (Urine and faeces), agriculture run off and soil phosphates which reaches aquatic environment through sewage and affecting aquatic ecosystem. Different brands of commercially available synthetic detergent soaps, detergent powders and sewage were analysed for Phosphate content using Vanadate Molybdate method by standard procedure (APHA, 2005). The research finding states those Detergent builders Sodium tripolyphosphate (Na5P3O10) can be substituted by a phosphate free Zeolite (Na2Al2Si3O10.2H2O - Aluminium silicate). There are no separate legislations available in India to Control phosphates in Soaps, Detergents and Sewage which is polluting aquatic environment. An attempt was made to draft legislation to reduce phosphate content in detergent soaps and detergent powders

Water Quality Studies of Bellandur Lake, Urban Bangalore, Karnataka, India

The pace of urbanization is increasing globally, putting more pressure on local water quality. In addition to discharges of urban and industrial wastewater, urban areas add to poor water quality in a number of ways. The study was conducted to assess the water quality values of Bellandur Lake which is a major tank in Varthur of Bangalore SouthTaluk.Samples were collected in clean and sterilized plastic bottles of 2 litercapacity. The samples were collected to examine the water quality in the month of February 2013 of Bellandur Lake, 30 cm below the surface of water and brought to the laboratory for Physico-chemical parameters analysis.Selected parameters were analyzed by following standard methods APHA, (2005).The obtained results were subjected to Statistical Analysisusing Microsoft offices excel 2010.The water quality of Bellandurlakehas exaggerated due by the consequent changes and urbanization, which indicated the physico-chemical concentrations of lakes found in high levels. Despite of some conservation efforts made by the authorities this lake is threatening immeasurably. Continuous monitoring of lakes should be enacted properly as from the origin point at the end to overcome these situations.ÿÿÿÿÿÿ