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This work seeks to discuss the presence of phosphorus in raw sewage considering the formulation of the powder detergent for cleaning fabrics currently sold in Brazil. Based on the results of laboratory analyses performed in the sewage inflows to three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in São Paulo state, it evaluates the different fractions of this element and sizes the impact caused by the product. The average concentration of total phosphorus (total-P) in sewage inflows has shown a reduction trend over the years, and it is currently between 5.3 and 7.6 mg/L. The participation of organic phosphorus (org-P) tends to be higher than that of the inorganic phosphorus (inorg-P) with average around 64% of total-P. This situation indicates a change from the default and it may be influenced by the reduced contribution of phosphorus in the powder detergents. It was concluded that the formulation of the Brazilian products, which have a very low phosphate content, less than 0.01% by weight, may have altered the phosphorus dynamics in sewage. In other respects, results have shown the need to enhance actions aimed at controlling the sources of phosphorus in sewage, with a view to assure preventive measures to water pollution processes.

Phosphorus is a nutrient with finite and non-renewable sources, the speed of exploitation of which is currently far higher than the rates of return to its natural cycle. It is already being predicted that available and known sources will soon be exhausted, with serious and irreversible economic, social and environmental impacts. In this context, this study sets out to present information about the dynamics of phosphorus in the environment, assessing the impacts caused by human activities and establishing what actions might contribute to preservation of the nutrient cycle. To contribute to enhanced understanding of the topic, the evolution of data on population density, the number of industries and the extension of cultivated areas in a river basin, was studied over 22 years in relation to concentrations of phosphorus in water and sediment. The Tietê River was used for the case study. The results revealed that the control of domestic effluent, especially the amount of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) used in detergents and soap products, is of major importance for improving water quality, ensuring environmental protection and safeguarding public health.

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