The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) that became effective as of 12/22/2000 triggered an assessment on the quality of water bodies done by the German federal states. With respect to the chemical water quality of rivers, the study showed that 54% will probably meet the objectives of the WFD and 13% will probably fail to meet the objectives. For 33% of the rivers, the outcome was unclear in part due to lack of data, in part because the classification was done without data. These results are considerably better than those for the ecological quality of the rivers (15% will probably meet the objective, it is uncertain for 24% and for 61% it is unlikely). Consequently, efforts to meet the objectives are necessary. Missing data must be collected and measures such as relieving the complex problem of nutrient inputs from agriculture must be developed. It is important to focus more on those substances that have been paid little attention to and which are relevant to those surface water bodies that are classified as potentially failing to meet objectives. The reduction of significant pollution caused by these substances will present further challenges in the future concerning water purification in sewage plants.
|
Projects
Printer friendly
Tell a friend