MLS 2.4: Manila - detergents
Abstract/Description :
Contribution of detergents to P levels in Laguna Bay and Manila BayBay (3/2013)
By its characteristics, the Laguna de Bay situation represents a case, subject to comparable discharges from agriculture and industry into river outlets, basins, and delta areas elsewhere. Less than 20% of the sewage discharged into the Laguna de Bay is treated (PEMSEA and MBEMP-MBIN, 2007). Phosphorus concentration levels often exceeded 100 ugL-1 so that Lake may be classified as a eutrophic water body (SOGREAH, 1974; Sanchez et al., 2012).
It is common knowledge that today´s utilization of P is non circular and dissipative. Usage is managed highly inefficient, whilst society is becoming more affluent and demand is continuously rising. It is hypothesized, that reducing the inflow of phosphorus from detergents is an environmentally beneficial and economically efficient activity. Accordingly a transdisciplinary collaboration of science and practice is needed to produce relevant, socially robust knowledge in assessing industry, trade and commerce; as the central processes of handling, producing and distributing Phosphorus. The organizers of the Global TraPs World Conference in Beijing would like to invite key stakeholders to the Mutual Learning Session on Phosphorus contribution of detergents. The objective of the session is to provide a precompetitive and protected arena to discuss and think about a sustainable, i. e. an ecological and social, transitioning of phosphorus usage.
The key question is: “How can we contribute to sustainability within phosphorus usage through promoting resource efficiency and innovation to avoid and mitigate negative environmental and social impacts, and contribute to food security?”
Executive Summary Manila Detergent MLS 2.4 of the 1st Global TraPs World Conference, Beijing 2013 (written 8/2013; released 3/2014)
Perliminary Remarls: The Excecutive Summary comprises the orientations discussed and identified in Mutual Learning 2.4. Sean Nino Lotze (MSc. students University of Oldenburg, Germany facilitated this Dialogue Session of the 1st Global TraPs World Conference, July 18-20, 2013 and is responsible author of this summary. Five scienctists and practitioners collaborated in this session. For further questions, please contact Prof. Ulli Vilsmaier, Leuphana University, Lüneburg (vilsmaier@leuphana.de) or Prof. Roland W. Scholz (roland.scholz@emeritus.ethz.ch).
By its characteristics, the Manila Bay situation represents a case, subject to comparable discharges from agriculture and industry into river outlets, basins, and delta areas elsewhere. Less than 20% of the sewage discharged into the Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay is treated (PEMSEA and MBEMP-MBIN, 2007). Phosphorus concentration levels often exceeded 100 ugL-1 so that Laguna Lake may be classified as a eutrophic water body (SOGREAH, 1974; Sanchez et al., 2012).
It is common knowledge that today´s utilization of P is non circular and dissipative. Usage is managed highly inefficient, whilst society is becoming more affluent and demand is continuously rising. It is hypothesized, that reducing the inflow of phosphorus from detergents is an environmentally beneficial and economically efficient activity. Accordingly a transdisciplinary collaboration of science and practice is needed to produce relevant, socially robust knowledge in assessing industry, trade and commerce; as the central processes of handling, producing and distributing Phosphorus.
The MLS in Peking made visible the overall complexity of the situation. An elaborate discourse between Science and Practice made clear that the generics of past detergent studies cannot be coined onto the current situation in Manila.
System Boundary -> P Input-> P Output-> Technology-> Institutional Arrangements
Each Bullet was discussed for approximately 30 minutes and evaluated from a scientific and practical side as far as was possible.
Arguing from a practical viewpoint, Christopher Thornton commented on behalf of the phosphate industry in stating that all other phosphorus contributions could have a similar effect on the overall Eutrophication in Laguna de Bay. Science related inputs from Prof. Okuda made clear the high variability of Phosphate contributions. Future research should prove and make clear where the major sources are coming from. Local Practice Partners namely the LLDA have little information on phosphorus contributions. At current date a TPL Total Pollution Load Study serves as the baseline for the accumulated load that is generated in the surrounding sub watersheds. Possible outputs were discussed and it became clear that the number of people involved were incapable of representing the situation and problem at hand.
The case study was not able to generate a complete picture of the situation due to a lack of participation from its stakeholders. Available information was sourced from past detergent studies. The only local representative at hand was Adelina Santos Borja, 5 key stakeholders were missing and it was agreed on that the further progress will be pursued.
Nonetheless one facet of the overall case is being carried on, namely the study on detergent usage.
Three orientations have crystallized namely a ban on STPP, a reduction of phosphorus, or a continuing of the current situation. A first quantification will be generated to make visible Detergent contribution in relation to demand and usage within the system boundary of the Taguig Microwatershed.
A further proceeding currently see´s the implementation of an accurate MFA (Material Flow Analysis) in collaboration with Japan and their existing form of mutuality between the LLDA and Japanese Research institutes.
References:
PEMSEA and MBEMP-MBIN. 2007. Manila Bay Area Environmental Atlas. PEMSEA Technical Report 20, 182 p. Global Environment Facility / United Nations Development Programme / International Maritime Organization Regional Programme on Building Parterships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) and the Manila Bay Environmental Management Project (MBEMP) – Manila Bay Area Information Network (MBIN), Quezon City, Philippines.
Sanchez, P.B., Oliver, D.P., Castillo, H.C.,&Kookana, R.S. (2012). Nutrient and sediment concentrations in the Pagsanjan–Lumban catchment of Laguna de Bay, Philippines, Agricultural Water Management, 106, 17-26.