The frothing of Varthur lake — a phenomenon commonly observed in many waterbodies across the city — raises the spectre of chemicals used in detergents and cleaning.
According to water conservationist S. Vishwanath, the reaction of chemicals used in detergents — such as phosphates and linear alkylbenzene — with warm water causes massive amounts of froth. “The chemicals are used to soften the water during a wash. But, on discharge, they accumulate in lakes and canals and cause froth. This is especially common in Byramangala along the Vrishabhavati,” he said.
There need to be greater regulation of detergents to make them more eco-friendly, he pointed out. “Around the Great Lakes (border of the U.S. and Canada), use of detergents is banned. In India, apart from increased treatment of effluents, we should at least figure out a way to make eco-friendly products with lesser phosphates,” said Mr. Vishwanath.
Having seen the effects of chemical detergents in the water even in rural lakes and rivers, K. Srinivas took to developing organic cleaners and personal care products. “We use soapberry, which is a natural frothing agent, to make our products. This does not lead to any environmental damage, and there are no health effects on those using it, said Mr. Srinivas, who now sells the products under the label, Krya.
