ABSTRACT
Since the beginning of the 1980s, polycarboxylates (PCAs) have been used in detergents and cleaning agents. As additives in low-phosphate and phosphatefree detergent formulations, they prevent incrustation and soil redeposition [1]. In 1990, the market share for phosphate-free detergents had increased to about 95%, with an annual consumption of 19,0001 [2]. An average polycarboxylate amount of about 2% in German detergents corresponds to a PCA concentration of about 2-3 mg/liter in untreated sewage [3]. As a result of the high degree of elimina tion (91-98%) during sewage treatment [4-7], however, the possible amount of polycarboxylates in surface water is dramatically lower (ppb concentration range).
