Waht happens when the detergent enters into freshwater ecosystem?

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Hi, I am very much interested in water, water pollution and its purification etc. My forte is farming and agriculture mechanization. I want to know as we use so much of detergent for domestic and industrial purpose, what hppans when it ents in freshwater ecosystem? thank you water network

4 Answers

  1. If the detergent enters in the fresh water ecosystem

    1. it will have a very poisonous effect on the aquatic life.
    2.  if the amount of detergent is above the minimum limit. Following water habitats will die

    (I)            mucus layers die and cause fish from bacteria

    (II)          Parasites

    3.    At 15 ppm fish will die. Most fish will die

    4.    Foam of the detergent can cause Oxygen level reduced.

    5.     At high PH aquatic life will be destroyed.

    6.Detergents, forming foams, decrease the oxygenation of the water. Their surfactant properties allow them to dissolve toxic molecules and thus ensure their dissemination in aquatic environments. Like pesticides called hormone-mimics (endocrine disruptors), some detergents are strongly suspected of interfering with the metabolism of animals, especially amphibians (Anura, Urodela), fish and humans. They could cause sex changes in molluscs and fish, the drastic decline of frog populations and the decline of human spermatogenesi.

    Remedies

    You can add acid (like citric or oxalic) to neutralize the water( PH-7)

    Regards

    Prem Baboo

  2. thanks for the comments everyone..

  3. Detergent's effect on freshwater ecosyetm

    If the detergent enters in the fresh water ecosystem it will have a very poisonous effect on the aquatic life if the amount of detergent is above the minimum limit. All detergents destroy the external mucus layers that protect the fish from bacteria and parasites; plus they can cause severe damage to the gills. Most fish will die when detergent concentrations approach 15 parts per million. Detergent concentrations as low as 5 ppm will kill fish eggs. Fish can even stop breathing and will absorbs some chemical. These fish are not good for the human consumptions. At the same time the aquatic plans will also be in danger as the oxygen level will be lowered down.

    Nicole, you can google search and get many material on this. I am posting a link which will provide you more details.

    http://www.ehow.com/info_8294686_environmental-effects-detergent.html

    Answered on by

  4. We can not stop the detergent entering into the water as the domestic use has also increased at a huge extend. It is seen that organisms may have difficulty in breeding, and detergent can also kill fish eggs. Phosphates contained in detergents can cause algae blooms. Algae blooms can deplete the oxygen necessary to sustain aquatic life.