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Abstract
Concentrations of Cd, Cu and Zn in 175 detergent samples representing twenty-one brands of washing powders were analysed. Mean concentrations of 3.03 (± 0.50) μg Cd/g, 2.61 (± 1.22) μg Cu/g and 15.23 (± 7.26) μg Zn/g were recorded. The concentration of cadmium was much lower than previously reported. The daily contribution of metals from laundry washing are in the order of 54.5 μg Cd/ca/d, 47.0 μg Cu/ca/d and 274.1 μg Zn/ca/d. In Irish municipal wastewater the contribution from detergents of these metals are 31.9% for Cd, 0.24% Cu and 0.30% for Zn. This has important implications for sewage sludge disposal.