Interactions of Polycarboxylates with Major Inorganic Soil Components

The quantity of the synthetic polymer, polycarboxylate (PCA), used in phos­ phate-free detergents is growing. Although a large part of this polymeric material can be discarded in modem water treatment plants [1,2], the persistence of the polymer in the environment because of its low biodegradability requires our attention. In this context, the behavior of PCA in soils or water when introduced or inadvertently discharged must be investigated.