A review of proposed non‐phosphate detergent builders, utilisation and environmental assessment

Detergent builders are a significant component of wastewaters. Concern has been caused by the potential of the principal builder sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) to exacerbate the problem of eutrophication in lowland water bodies. This has led to an expansion of the compounds now used as detergent builders. The three major alternatives to phosphate detergent builders (Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), Polycarboxylic acids (PCA's) and Zeolite type A) have been reviewed. Other potential builders or co‐builders have also been identified. Emphasis has been placed on the wastewater removal mechanisms and environmental degradation of these compounds with the resulting implications for public health.