What are detergents?
Detergents are usually used for cleaning, like laundy detergents. They contain phosphates, and if they get into water they can cause an algal bloom. [1]

Detergents are cleaning solutions used for laundry, dishes, car washes, and more. They contain phosphates and poisons that kill waterlife and cause algal blooms. They also increase turbidity in water over time. [2]



References
[1] williams, nikki. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detergent & detectives notebook. 20, November, 2008.

[2] Welling, Cameron.http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_impact_of_detergents_on_the_environment Thurs.,November 20

http://www.carwashsource.com/images/auto-car-wash/auto-car-wash-detergent-jet.jpg
http://www.carwashsource.com/images/auto-car-wash/auto-car-wash-detergent-jet.jpg
-Detergents from car washes are pollution to lakes and ponds.