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Hazardous substances in Europe's fresh and marine waters — An overview
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Chemicals are an essential part of our daily lives and are used to produce consumer goods, to protect or restore our health and to boost food production, to name but a few examples. Some chemicals, however, are hazardous, raising concerns for the environment and human health. Hazardous substances are emitted to fresh and marine waters via a number of pathways and can have detrimental effects on aquatic biota. Humans can be exposed to hazardous substances in water through the ingestion of contaminated drinking water and the consumption of contaminated freshwater fish and seafood. A wide range of legislation now exists in Europe to address the release of hazardous substances to the environment, including water. New challenges exist, however, including the issues of chemical mixtures and emerging pollutants.
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Publications
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Hazardous substances in Europe’s fresh and marine waters – an overview
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Hazardous substances in fresh and marine water can harm aquatic life and pose a risk to human health, according to a new report published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The report notes that while European legislation to address the issue is relatively strong, new challenges exist including ‘emerging pollutants’ where potential effects are not yet fully understood. More effort is also needed to ensure that chemicals are produced and used more sustainably.
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News
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Europe's water information at your fingertips
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Our demand for water and wastewater discharges, often have a substantial impact on the quality and quantity of freshwater resources. On World Water Day, 22 March, the European Environment Agency (EEA) and partners presented a new and improved version of the web portal Water Information System for Europe (WISE).
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News
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Looking beneath the surface: how good is our water?
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Water is critical for life and is integral to virtually all economic activities, including food production and industry. Not only is clean water a prerequisite for human health and well-being, it provides aquatic habitats that support healthy freshwater ecosystems.
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Articles
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Freshwater quality — SOER 2010 thematic assessment
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The continuing presence of a range of pollutants in a number of Europe's freshwaters threatens aquatic ecosystems and raises concerns for public health. Current reporting under the EU Water Framework Directive shows that a substantial proportion of Europe's freshwaters are at risk of not achieving the aim of 'good status' by 2015. Driven by the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD), improvements in the collection and treatment of wastewater in some regions of Europe have led to a reduction in the discharge of some pollutants to fresh and coastal waters. Challenges remain, however, because UWWTD implementation remains incomplete and other significant sources of water pollution exist, especially agriculture and urban storm flows. The implementation of effective and timely measures, required under the WFD, needs to encompass a greater focus on controls 'at source' and the efficient use of resources including water, energy and chemicals.
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The European environment – state and outlook 2010
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Thematic assessments
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Marine and coastal environment — SOER 2010 thematic assessment
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European marine regions include the north-east Atlantic and Arctic oceans, and the
Mediterranean, Black and Baltic seas. Human activities — such as fishing, aquaculture and
agriculture — and climate change cause large and severe impacts on Europe's coastal and marine
ecosystems. The EU objective of halting biodiversity loss by 2010 has not been met in either the
coastal or the marine environment. Recognising the need for an integrated ecosystem-based
approach to reduce pressures, the EU Integrated Maritime Policy allows for the development
of sea-related activities in a sustainable manner. Its environmental pillar, the Marine Strategy
Framework Directive, aims to deliver 'good environmental status' of the marine environment
by 2020, and the Common Fisheries Policy will be reformed in 2012 with the aim of achieving
sustainable fisheries. Complementary policy efforts include the EU Water Framework Directive and
other freshwater legislation, and the Habitats and Birds Directives.
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The European environment – state and outlook 2010
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Thematic assessments
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