Micro-organisms (eg Bacteria) thrive in sewage treatments works, waterways and soils. These organisms break down the surface active ingredients in detergents by using them as energy sources. Substantially complete biodegradation is usually achieved within a few hours.
EC regulations for surfactants require a biodegradability level of 80% to be attained during standard tests. Modern surfactants comfortably exceed this and removal levels of over 99% have been observed in efficient sewage treatment plants.
