[The presence of detergents in surface water sources and their health and ecological implications].

The presence of anionic detergents in some surface waters (the Danube River in its inferior sector, the Prut River and its affluents, and the lakes on the Bistriţa River) which are sources of drinking water for some towns was investigated. The presence of the anionic detergents is due to the discharge of industrial and household waste waters. Although the anionic detergents levels are low they raise health problems as these substances may favor the digestive absorption of some noxious or carcinogenic substances concomitantly present in the water source.