| environ. |
detergent A surface-active agent used for removing dirt and grease from a variety of surfaces and materials. Early detergents contained alkyl sulphonates, which proved resistant to bacterial decomposition, causing foaming in rivers and difficulties in sewage treatment plants. These hard detergents were replaced during the 1960s with soft biodegradable detergents. Apprehension continues to be expressed about the use of phosphates in detergents, helping to promote the process of eutrophication. No satisfactory substitute has yet emerged (一种表面活性剂，用来去除各种各样表面及物质的灰尘和油脂。 早期的清洁剂含有烷基璜酸盐，它能够抑制细菌分解，导致河流大量泡沫，且难以被污水处理厂处理。 在1960年代，这些硬性清洁剂被软化且可以被生物降解的清洁剂所替代，但人们同样担心清洁剂中的磷会促进水体优养化。 直到现在仍没有合适的替代品。) |
