New UBA study: Numbers, background information, research needs, and measures to combat the plastic flood. read more
Plastics in the environment
Sewage sludge disposal in Germany
Heavy metals, residues of pharmaceutical drugs and plastic: just a few of the many pollutants contained in sewage sludge. Until recently most of the sludges were used as agricultural fertiliser. Nowadays more than half of it is used and combusted for energy purposes. A new UBA brochure has information on disposal practices and on the current status in sludge treatment and recycling. read more
EU member states need to step up the fight against antibiotics in the environment
German Environment Agency presents seven priority areas for action read more
Wastewater effluent in rivers: Challenges for drinking water?
Treated urban wastewater is usually discharged to rivers. A UBA study assessed the contributions of wastewater effluents in surface waters in Germany and evaluated potential risks for drinking water abstraction. read more
Can product design prevent marine litter?
Designers can also contribute to solving the problem of marine litter – with the right choice of materials when designing products, for instance. This was the topic of a workshop that was initiated by the UBA in June 2018 with approximately 30 participants from the Baltic Sea Region. The results and specific recommendations for action have now been published. read more
EU Commission proposes regulation for the reuse of water
The reuse of treated waste water can help to reduce water shortages. Reused water can contain pathogens and harmful substances, however. On 28 May 2018, the EU Commission proposed a regulation, on minimum requirements concerning the reuse of water. It aims to protect health and the environment. The UBA considers there to be a need for improvement. read more
New funding priority: Innovative wastewater engineering
Operators of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities can apply for funding under the Environmental Innovation Programme until 15 April 2019 read more
Boat hull paints – a problem for our waters
Copper emissions from antifouling paints should be reduced read more
