Fluorescent whitening agents

Abstract

Fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) are used in laundry detergents to make the fabries whiter and eolors bright to eompensate the yellowish shade of washed fabries. The amount in washing powders is about 0.15% on dry weight basis, of whieh 20-95% binds to the fabries. FWAs are readily eliminated from household efHuents in sewage treatment plants due to strong adsorption on aetivated sludge. They are only sporadieally deteeted in natural water systems. The eoncentrations found are weil below the eoncentrations toxie to aquatie organisms. Uptake in fish and plants is low and reversible. Photodegradation occurs and biodegradation is possible but only in aetivated sludge after an adaptation period.