On May 21, 8:56 am, Chuck Gould wrote:

Saponified coconut oil is more commonly known as "soap".

Yes indeed, but not "detergent,"

It cleans, so by definition it's detergent. The claim to not consume
oxygen in the water is ridiculous.

I believe that the oxygen claim is based on the fact that there aren't
any nitrates or phosphates in the formula. Nitrogen and phosphorous
are two of the primary ingredients in commercial fertilizer, and when
introduced to the water can promote "algae blooms". As I understand
it, when the algae finishes blooming and dies the decomposing organic
matter depletes oxygen in the water.

True, and in that sense a small amount of limiting nutrient could lead
eventually to a larger depletion of oxygen. But then they should just
say it doesn't contain P or N, because clearly soap has calories and
does have to consume oxygen to be broken down.

You define all soap products as detergents? (just curious)

No, I define all, and only, CLEANING products as detergents. A soap
product is a detergent if it's for cleaning. (Some soap products are
used for other purposes, such as lubrication.) Sand is a detergent if
it's used for cleaning. See also http://users.bestweb.net/~robgood/suds/terminol.html
.. However, the term is commonly MISused to indicate specifically
soapless but soaplike detergents, and even for surfactants with no
significant cleaning properties.

Robert