| Abstract: | Results of Investigations of Substances Deriving from Detergents in Eastern German Rivers Based on detergent related parameters like surfactants, phosphate, and boron as well as general pollution parameters like TOC, DOC, COD and O2, a differentiated picture of the loading situation of the most important rivers in Eastern Germany is drawn. In comparison with investigations previously carried out in the GDR, the development of the surface water pollution will be demonstrated, and it can be shown that a significant improvement of the water quality has taken place. Comparisons between the loads of the river Rhine and those found in East German rivers show clear differences that are obviously due to different populations in the river catchment areas as well as to different hydrographical conditions. Increased surfactant and boron concentrations can be found especially in smaller Eastern German rivers with relatively great catchment areas. The introduction of phosphate replacements in detergents in 1990 led to a drastic reduction of the phosphate concentrations in most Eastern German rivers. |
