Impacts of a phosphate detergent ban on concentrations of phosphorus in the James River, Virginia

Abstract

Phosphorus in the James River, VA, was measured before and after implementation of a state-wide ban on phosphorus containing detergents. Increases in phosphorus concentrations between sites located upriver and downriver from point sources at Richmond, VA, were compared before and after the ban. Prior to the ban, point sources in the Richmond area were responsible for an 85%. (0.11 mg l −1) increase in total phosphorus concentrations between the upriver and downriver sites. After the ban, the increase was reduced to 13% (0.02 mg l −1). Concentrations of dissolved orthophosphate were increased by 88% (0.08 mg l −1) before the ban as compared to 25% (0.02 mg l −1) after the ban.