Our waters are used in a variety of ways, these influence their status. The results of the monitoring of the EC Water Framework Directive show it needs forceful measures in the whole catchment and at the rivers to meet the good status. read more
river
Water
Chemicals
The group of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exceeds the values of the environmental quality standards for chemicals regulated in the German Ordinance on Surface Waters. read more
The UBA
Pesticides
Pesticides are the active substances used in plant protection products and biocides. They are toxic in especially to plants (herbicides), insects (insecticides) or fungi (fungicides). read more
The UBA
Metals
Metals and selenium are found in the environment in various different compounds. Their geogenic concentrations (background concentrations ) vary. Some metals and selenium are essential for organisms at low concentrations. read more
Water
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
Persistent organic pollutants are subject to long-range transport and also occur in the environment far from their source. They accumulate in the suspended solids of watercourses and in the food chain. They are toxic to humans and wildlife. read more
Water
Nutrients in watercourses
Nitrogen and phosphorus are nutrients for aquatic plants (algae, macrophytes). Their high concentration causes excessive growth especially of algae (Eutrophication). Rivers transport nitrogen and phosphorus into lakes and North sea and Baltic sea and influence its nutrient concentration. read more