Publications

The model MONERIS (MOdelling Nutrient Emissions in RIver Systems) was developed and applied to estimate the nutrient emissions into river basins of Germany by point sources and various diffuse pathways. The model is based on data of river flow and water quality as well as a geographical information system (GIS), which includes digital maps and extensive statistical information.

Already in 1990 the German Government decided, as its contribution to the limitation of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, to reduce CO2 emissions by 25% by 2005 – base year 1990 – and to limit or reduce other greenhouse gases.

This research will not be restricted solely to the biology and remediation of invasive species, but will also evaluate their adverse health effects and economic impact.

Since pioneers such as John Snow and Robert Koch first established water as major route of disease transmission in the late 19th century, many countries have attained a high level of drinking-water safety.

Unlike in other sectors, CO2 emissions from transport rose between 1990 and 2000 by more than 12%. The primary reason is the increased transport volume: between 1990 and 2000, the increase in freight transport alone was around 41%. During the same period, the increase in passenger transport, measured in passenger kilometres, was around 22% [VIZ, 2001/2002].

This literature study, financed by the Federal Environmental Agency (Umweltbundesamt, UBA) of Germany, examines recent concepts on the bioavailability of contaminants in soil. It is focused on theoretical concepts and methods appropriate for identifying bioavailable fractions of contaminants.  

At the beginning of 2000, the World Trade Organization (WTO) commenced negotiations on the continuation of the liberalization process in international agricultural trade.

The German Bight is characterised by mean residence times of 33 days in the inner Bight and of 67 days in the larger German Bight area. The shallow Bight (mostly < 40 m depth) receives large amounts of nutrients from the rivers Elbe, Weser and Ems, from transboundary transports along with the coastal current and from the atmosphere.

The objective of the project was to contribute to the implementation of Directive 96/61/EC on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC).

The UN/ ECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) has over the years substantially contributed to the development of international environmental law and has created the essential framework for controlling and reducing the damage to human health and the environment caused by transboundary air pollution.

European legislation on exhaust emissions has made major progress with the adaption of limit value standards up to and including Euro 4 for passenger cars on light-duty commercial vehicles and Euro V for heavy-duty engines. Exhaust gas limit values need to be updated primarily for vehicle with diesel engines.

Germany has committed itself in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – as have other Member States of the European Union – to prepare inventories of its annual greenhouse gas emissions by source categories. The EU is itself a signatory to the Convention.