Sifat-sifat deterjen dan dampaknya terhadap perairan

Detergent is a petrochemical compound and has molecular structure, R-SO3Na+ (R = alky I benzene). It is more easily dissolved in water than ordinary soap (RCOONa+) and do not presipitate in hard water. Based on its electric charge, detergent can be divided into three groups ie. anionic (has negatively charge ion), catio-nic (has positively charged ion) and non-ionic detergent While, based on its molecular structure, can be divided into two groups ie. straight chain (LAS = linear alkylbenzene sulfonate) and branched chain detergent (ABS = alkylbenzene sulfonate). The straight chain detergent is more degradable in aquatic environment than the branched one. Detergent has strong cleaning capacity than ordinary soap, but an excess application will resulting negative effect to aquatic environment e.g. accelerate shallowness process and reduce esthetic value. At certain degree of concentration, it will be harmful to the life of aquatic organisms.