Environmental Impact of Detergent Use: A Chemical Risk Assessment

Abstract

The issue of environmental pollution has brought up the big question because there is increased use of synthetic detergents which have harmful chemicals like optical brighteners, surfactants and phosphates. These pollutants are dangerous to the environment and health when released into the water and land. The study aimed to assess the concentration of toxic substances in the most popular detergents, calculate the environmental load of these substances, and evaluate the risks based on the Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Risk Quotient (RQ) models.  Analytical testing was done on five branches of detergents, and five contaminated sites were also tested in the lab and field. Such parameters as pH, BOD, COD, TDS, and surfactant levels were determined, and risk assessment models were implemented. Brand D had the largest concentration of pollutants (e.g., LAS: 6.2 mg/L, phosphates: 8.3 mg/L), above WHO/EPA limits with an RQ of 2.5 and heavy metals (at S3 and S4, there was severe contamination including heavy metals up to 2.8 ppm Pb). Brand E had insignificant risk (RQ = 0.7). The research shows an immediate need for stricter regulations, eco-safe formulations, and awareness to address the issue of pollution from detergents.