Thanks for everyones input in this thread.

So it does seem that this synthetic product is being used more and more widely without any consideration about the risk of it building up in our environment and its consequences.

Has anyone been testing the background levels, like for glyphosate, in our waters and soils or in humans?

OK, yes! This article is suggesting that it is already become a growing problem and the article is from 2003!

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26352747_EDTA_The_chelating_agent_under_environmental_scrutiny

“In general, it can be seen that EDTA behaves as a persistent pollutant in the environment, enhancing the mobility and bioavailability of heavy metals. In natural environments studies detect poor bio-degradability of the ligand.”

“… in Swiss sewage treatment plants equipped with both chemical and biological treatment systems, it is found that no significant EDTA elimination is achieved”

Other techniques to remove it from waste water all seem to involve great energy or effort, or resulting in toxic byproducts, and vary from 10% to maximum 80% effectiveness.

So the problems are already there and usage is increasing. Hence the importance of the development of naturally occurring chelating agents like citric acid in an agricultural context!

Will man ever learn!