re: #275 Big Steve

Yes…I know why they are banned…however phosphates being amphipathic have a polar and non polar moiety in the same molecule allowing them to be both hydrophobic and hydrophillic at the same time so they are the true bisexuals of the chemistry world. This allows them to solublize fats and oils and such and stay water soluable. One of the truly fascinating uses of entropy. So they clean like a m’fin riot. In addition, that partial soluability leaves the particles every so slightly as emulsions rather than true solutions so they carry momentum and literally chip particles off of dishes. And yes I do have a chemistry degree…

They are great for a large number of applications. Unfortunately that doesn’t really change that even a small amount can wreak havoc on various ecosystems. Phosphate is a critical component in biology. Being depleted in many environments it is the limiting nutrient and the addition of even small amounts can lead to explosive growth in certain organisms. Phosphates contribute to the eutrophication and in some cases anoxia of freshwater lakes and rivers.

re: #273 Decatur Deb

With a little plumbing tittivation, the phosphate could wind up in his locovore garden, where it might do some good.

Very good point. Along with composting and other techniques people can recover many of the excess nutrients they produce.