The major ingredient of most detergents which causes luxuriant growth of algae is

Options

A. Nitrates
B. Phosphates
C. Sulphates
D. Carbonates

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the major ingredient in most detergents that leads to excessive growth of algae.

2. **Identifying Algae Growth**: The term "luxuriant growth of algae" refers to a phenomenon known as "algae bloom." This occurs when there is an overabundance of nutrients in the water, leading to rapid algae proliferation.

3. **Linking to Eutrophication**: The process responsible for this excessive growth is called eutrophication, which is the aging of a water body due to nutrient enrichment. Eutrophication typically occurs in stagnant water bodies like lakes and ponds.

4. **Key Nutrients in Eutrophication**: The primary nutrients that contribute to eutrophication are nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients can come from various sources, including fertilizers and detergents.

5. **Analyzing Detergent Composition**: Detergents often contain various chemical compounds. Among these, phosphates are commonly used as a major ingredient.

6. **Conclusion**: Since phosphates are known to be present in detergents and are a key contributor to algae growth, the answer to the question is that the major ingredient of most detergents which causes luxuriant growth of algae is **phosphates**.

**Final Answer**: The major ingredient of most detergents which causes luxuriant growth of algae is **phosphates**.

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