Oxygen consuming substances in European rivers

Indicator Assessment
Prod-ID: IND-20-en
Also known as: CSI 019 , WAT 002
Created 06 Nov 2018 Last modified 05 Feb 2019
17 min read

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Oxygen consuming substances steadily decreased in Europe’s rivers between 1992 and 2015.  On average, the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) fell to 51 % of the 1992 level. Ammonium concentrations decreased even more substantially, down to 19 % of the 1992 level. This decrease in BOD and ammonium concentrations is mainly because of general improvements in waste water treatment.

Key messages

  • Oxygen consuming substances steadily decreased in Europe’s rivers between 1992 and 2015. 
  • On average, the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) fell to 51 % of the 1992 level.
  • Ammonium concentrations decreased even more substantially, down to 19 % of the 1992 level.
  • This decrease in BOD and ammonium concentrations is mainly because of general improvements in waste water treatment.

Is organic matter and ammonium pollution in European rivers decreasing?

Trends in Biocehmical Oxygen demand and ammonium in European rivers

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BOD5
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Ammonium
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Table
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Biochemical oxygen demand in European rivers

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Table
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Ammonium in European rivers

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Table