Phosphates

The salts of phosphoric acid. Phosphates are important nutrients for humans (e.g. calcium phosphate in bones), animals and plants. Phosphates are also used in considerable quantities as Fertilizers. Triphosphate and tripolyphosphate were used in Detergents and Cleaning Agents because of their complexing and washing active characteristics and because they are non-injurious to the health. Their use has declined steeply since the introduction of phosphate-free products. The presence of large quantities of phosphate residues in Sewage have led to Eutrophication in standing and slowly flowing waterways. These days phosphates are being replaced increasingly by phosphate substitutes (Zeolite A, NTA, Tensides).