Metal pollution in the Weser catchment from mining areas in the Harz Mountains

Water bodies have been classified under the Water Framework Directive. Blue areas are water bodies at good chemical status. Red streams are failing to achieve good chemical status. Grey areas are not classified for chemical status. The river and floodplain sediments have been contaminated with the waste and mine water over centuries. In the floodplains high lead and cadmium concentrations affect the agriculture at pasture and arable land along the river floodplains.