Publications

Reference Waterbase - Monitoring stations for rivers and lakes: Water quality monitoring stations in rivers and lakes
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Map of winter oxidized nitrogen concentrations observed in 2005: The low category refers to values within the lowest 20th percentile and the high category refers to values within the upper 20th percentile of concentrations in a regional sea
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Average concentrations of nutrients in European groundwaters and surface waters (1992-2009) Fig. 1a: Nitrate in groundwater; Fig. 1b Nitrate in rivers; Fig. 1c Orthophosphate in rivers; and Fig. 1d: Total phosphorus in lakes: Concentrations are expressed as annual mean concentrations. Only complete series after inter/extrapolation are included (see indicator specification). The number of groundwater bodies/river stations/lake stations included per country is given in metadata (see downloads and more info). Fig 1a: Nitrate concentration in European groundwater 1992-2009 Fig 1b: Nitrate concentration in European rivers 1992-2009 Fig 1c: Orthophosphate concentration in European rivers 1992-2009 Fig 1d: Total phosphorus concentration in European lakes 1992-2009
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Nutrients in transitional, coastal and marine waters (CSI 021) - Assessment published Jul 2011: Decreasing nutrient concentrations were found in the North Sea and in the Baltic Sea. In the Mediterranean and Black Sea, the lack of temporally and spatially comprehensive time series does not allow an overall assessment. In 2008, the highest concentrations of oxidized nitrogen were found in the Gulf of Riga, and in Lithuanian, Swedish, German, Belgian, and Scottish coastal waters. Between 1985 and 2008, 12% of all the stations in the European seas reported to the EEA showed decreasing trends of oxidized nitrogen concentrations. These trends were more evident in the open Baltic Sea and in the Dutch and German coastal waters in the North Sea. In 2008, the highest orthophosphate concentrations were found at Finnish coastal stations in the Gulf of Finland, the Gulf of Riga, German, Belgian, French, and Scottish coastal waters. Between 1985 and 2008, 15% of all the stations in the European seas reported to the EEA showed a decrease in orthophosphate concentrations, mainly because of improved waste water treatment. This decrease was most evident in Norwegian, Lithuanian, Danish, Belgian and Dutch coastal water stations, and in the open waters of the North and Baltic Seas.
Located in Data and maps › Indicators › Nutrients in transitional, coastal and marine waters
AGRI_F03: Gross nutrient balance - outlook from EEA (Outlook 020) - Assessment published Jun 2007: Nutrient surpluses are expected to be moderately reduced in 2020. Best practices for fertilizer handling could significantly reduce the environmental pressures which are associated with nutrient balances.
Located in Data and maps › Indicators › AGRI_F03: Gross nutrient balance - outlook from EEA
Sources of water pollution: (Transcription of audio on video) Water can be polluted from many sources. Faecal contamination from sewage makes water unpleasant and unsafe for recreational activities such as swimming, boating or fishing. Many organic pollutants, including sewage effluent and farm and food-processing wastes consume oxygen, suffocating fish and other aquatic life. Nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates, from everything from farm fertilisers to household detergents, can 'overfertilise' the water causing the growth of large mats of algae, some of which are directly toxic. When the algae die, they sink to the water bottom, decomposing, consuming oxygen and damaging ecosystems. Chemical contaminants including heavy metals, pesticides and some industrial chemicals can threaten wildlife and human health. Sediment run-off from the land can make water muddy, blocking sunlight and, as a result, killing wildlife. And irrigation, especially when used improperly, can bring flows of salts, nutrients and other pollutants from soils into water. Source: SOER 2005
Located in Environmental topics › Biodiversity › Multimedia
Part 2. Thematic indicator-based assessments: Located in Publications › Environmental indicator report 2012 › Environmental indicator report 2012 - Ecosystem resilience and resource efficiency in a green economy in Europe
Observed changes in winter oxidised nitrogen (NO2 and NO3) concentrations, 1985–2010: The map shows stations with a statistically significant decrease (green), increase (red) or no trend (yellow) in winter oxidised nitrogen concentrations within the period 1985-2010. Selected stations must have at least data in the period from 2007 to present and at least 5 years data in all.
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Average concentrations of nutrients in European groundwaters and surface waters (1992-2008) Fig. 1a: Nitrate in groundwater; Fig. 1b Nitrate in rivers; Fig. 1c Orthophosphate in rivers; and Fig. 1d: Total phosphorus in lakes: Concentrations are expressed as annual mean concentrations. Only complete series after inter/extrapolation are included (see indicator specification). The number of groundwater bodies/river stations/lake stations included per country is given in metadata (see downloads and more info). Fig 1a: Nitrate concentration in European groundwater 1992-2008 Fig 1b: Nitrate concentration in European rivers 1992-2008 Fig 1c: Orthophosphate concentration in European rivers 1992-2008 Fig 1d: Total phosphorus concentration in European lakes 1992-2008
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Average concentrations of nutrients in European groundwaters and surface waters (1992-2010) Fig. 1a: Nitrate in groundwater; Fig. 1b Nitrate in rivers; Fig. 1c Orthophosphate in rivers; and Fig. 1d: Total phosphorus in lakes: Concentrations are expressed as annual mean concentrations. Only complete series after inter/extrapolation are included (see indicator specification). The number of groundwater bodies/river stations/lake stations included per country is given in parenthesis.
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs