THE ROLE OF FERTILIZERS AND DETERGENTS FOR EUTROPHICATION IN URUGUAY

The role of fertilizers and detergents as P sources for eutrophication in Uruguay is analyzed. All detergents analyzed including those impor ted contained P. Detergents contribute ca. 58 % to the daily P-load (2 .5 ton) to the Rio de la Plata at the capital city. Based on soil eros ion levels population settlements and historic figures of fertilizer u se, 3 areas of the country were defected with P-sensitive water bodies . Not surprisingly, these are zones with eutrophication problems. The results indicate the need for urgent policies (e.g. erosion protection ) and stronger environmental controls.