Topics | Umweltbundesamt

In 2016, the Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMU) launched a stakeholder dialogue to develop the federal government’s Trace Substance Strategy. The goal was to reduce the input of micropollutants into water bodies. In order to consolidate the findings and the measures initiated, the German Centre for Micropollutants was founded at the German Environment Agency in 2021. read more

Residues of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, biocides and other chemicals can have effects on the environment and human health even in low concentrations. These micropollutants are increasingly being detected in our water bodies, not least thanks to better analytical methods. Recommendations for reducing the input into water bodies are listed. read more

The industrial chemical 1H-benzotriazole is a relevant micropollutant. This means that, even in low concentrations, the substance has adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems and drinking water quality. That is why a round table was launched at the end of 2020 in order to develop mitigation measures. read more

The framework “Round table” brings together a wide range of groups interested in relevant trace substances. In the process, they seek to agree on voluntary measures to reduce the amounts of trace substances entering into water bodies. read more

Which micropollutants are an environmental risk for water bodies and should therefore be scrutinised more closely? This is evaluated by the Committee for the identification of relevant micropollutants made up of experts from authorities, industry, academia, environmental and water associations. This page lists the micropollutants that have been evaluated as relevant. read more

A stakeholder dialogue on voluntary and manufacturer-responsible measures for mitigating micropollutants in water bodies is currently underway at the German Centre for Micropollutants as part of a research project. read more

The “Committee for the Identification of Relevant Micropollutants” is made up of up to 15 experts from authorities, industry, academia, environmental and water associations. The committee meets at regular intervals to conclusively evaluate micropollutants for their environmental relevance to water bodies on the basis of proposals from the German Centre for Micropollutants (SZB). read more

Here you will find the employees of the German Centre for Micropollutants with their respective specialist topics. read more