PhosphatesPhosphates can be created by replacing all or part of the hydrogen in a phosphoric acid with metals. Depending on the number of hydrogen atoms replaced, the resulting compound is described as a primary, secondary, or tertiary phosphate. Primary and secondary phosphates contain hydrogen and are acidic salts. Secondary and tertiary phosphates, with the exception of sodium, potassium and ammonium, are insoluble in water. Tertiary sodium phosphate is valuable as a detergent and water softener. Primary phosphates tend to be more soluble. Phosphates, which are an important component of plant and animal metabolism, contribute to the first step of glucose oxidation in the body. Primary calcium phosphate is an ingredient in plant fertilizers. increasing attention recently. The focus is on the harmful environmental effects of household detergents. Wastewater from laundry detergents contains phosphates, which are considered a water pollutant. Most laundry detergents contain about 35 to 75 percent sodium triphosphate (Na5P3O10), which serves two purposes. Providing an alkaline solution (pH 9.0 to 10.5) is necessary for effective cleaning but also to retain the calcium and magnesium ions present in natural waters and prevent them from interfering with the cleaning role of the detergent. Eutrophication is the progressive over-fertilization of water. , in which purulent masses of algae flourish, choking rivers and lakes. Phosphorus compounds act as a fertilizer for all plant life, whether floating algae or larger rooted weeds, and are involved in eutrophication. Many countries control phosphate levels, while Switzerland has banned the use of phosphates. The marine environment is both fragile and more resilient than the terrestrial ecosystem. It is fragile because nutrients are generally present in very low concentrations, constantly consumed by living organisms and pollutants diffuse quickly. Lakes and rivers are extremely complex ecosystems. Nutrients are absorbed by both algae and rooted weeds. Weeds provide shelter for fish larvae and zooplankton, both of which feed on algae and are in turn eaten by larger fish. The scientists concluded that unpolluted lakes can absorb surprisingly large amounts of phosphates without uncertainty. When a fertilizer, such as a phosphate, is added, more algae will grow, and therefore zooplankton and fish populations. Difficulties only arise when the lake is already impure. Zooplankton are sensitive to their environment and many substances are toxic to them. If any of these substances, including phosphates, are present, the zooplankton population cannot increase. Adding phosphates to this polluted system will lead to algae growth. The floating masses cut off the light supply. Weeds die and decompose using dissolved oxygen and causing sulfurous odors.