Phosphate-free detergents, using three surfactants which would be acceptable substitutes for conventional home laundry products, were formulated and evaluated. These surfactants are relatively safe, non-polluting, and biodegradable. The formulations are effective over a considerable water hardness range. Two of the surfactants investigated are about equally capable of yielding detergent formulations of high promise. All formulations contained 20% of the selected surfactant (a sulfonate or sulfonamide) and 2% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). Possible substitutes or optimum use level were not investigated. Although the point was not pursued as a specific end, indications are that use of these surfactants may lead to detergent formulations of lower basicity than currently in use, rendering them safer and less corrosive. The formulation of choice had good overall detergent properties performing well under all test conditions and is essentially free of potentially polluting substances. Limited biological testing of these surfactants indicates safety relative to fish toxicity and lack of algal stimulating properties.

"February 1972." Prepared for the Office of Research and Monitoring, Environmental Protection Agency under contract no. 14-12-937. Includes bibliographical references (page 57).

Phosphate-free detergents, using three surfactants which would be acceptable substitutes for conventional home laundry products, were formulated and evaluated. These surfactants are relatively safe, non-polluting, and biodegradable. The formulations are effective over a considerable water hardness range. Two of the surfactants investigated are about equally capable of yielding detergent formulations of high promise. All formulations contained 20% of the selected surfactant (a sulfonate or sulfonamide) and 2% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). Possible substitutes or optimum use level were not investigated. Although the point was not pursued as a specific end, indications are that use of these surfactants may lead to detergent formulations of lower basicity than currently in use, rendering them safer and less corrosive. The formulation of choice had good overall detergent properties performing well under all test conditions and is essentially free of potentially polluting substances. Limited biological testing of these surfactants indicates safety relative to fish toxicity and lack of algal stimulating properties.