What is more harmful to the environment for use as a toilet cleaner (hydrochloric acid) or a (surfactant).?

Question

Does anyone know the science of this. I would like to know which is more damaging to the water stream. I am aware that hydrochloric acid can be created naturally in the stomach. I am also aware that oleo surfactants use palm oil which is depleting the habitats of some of our endangered species. Can anybody in the know please enlighten me. Thanks All.

Answer 1

Surfactant because they are non-bio degradable.  But hydrochloric acid will be diluted when washed away.  But the polluting effect of surfactant can be reduced by decreasing the side chain hydrocarbon (hydrophobic group)

Answer 2

Most all surfactants are degradable into harmless stuff, which ones is difficult for a consumer to determine.  Hydrochloric acid is pretty harmless once diluted.  But the real answer depends on where the sewage goes.  A municipal sewage treatment has a lot better chance of degrading surfactants and the acid will beneutralizedd.  If you have a septic tank I'dsuggestt the hydrochloric acid.

Answer 3

Surfactant is more harmful because it contain levels of chemicals such as sodium and boron, which can be damaging to plants, so these should not be applied to soils). Commercial soil wetting agents will continue to work for a considerable period, but they will eventually be degraded by soil micro-organisms. Some can, however, interfere with the life-cycles of some aquatic organisms, so care should be taken to prevent run-off of these products into streams, and excess product should not be washed down gutters.

Answer 4

Very interesting. One could say that hydrochloric used sparingly would be neutralised in a toilet bowl that had a lime (calcium carbonate) encrustation. On the other hand many surfactants are said to be biodegradable. I suspect that there is a vast difference in the composition of surfactants. Perhaps an eco version would do less harm. A bit of research into toxic/aggressive ingredients is needed. It may be worth contacting a range of manufacturers to see what they will tell you. if anything.