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Environmental information systems
Key messages: Hazardous substances, in particular ‘legacy substances’, pollute European seas. Exceedance of safe limits was observed for benzo[a]pyrene, lindane (y-HCH), and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB). Available time trends between 2010-2022 show that regions with improving (decreasing) concentrations are more prevalent than deteriorating ones. The range of substances monitored is relatively limited.
Hazardous substances in mussels and oysters in Europe's seas
Nine hazardous substances monitored in mussels and oysters from European seas. The levels of hazardous substances found in marine organisms were compared to and thresholds as set under the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (). Between 2010-2022, concentrations were low or moderate, with exceedances most frequently seen for benzo[a]pyrene, lindane (y-HCH), and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB). The indicator thus shows that ‘legacy’ substances still pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, biota and human health throughout the food chain.
Available time trends show that regions with improving (decreasing) concentrations are more prevalent than deteriorating ones. The NEA Ocean and Mediterranean Sea have relatively lower concentrations of certain hazardous substances compared to the Baltic Sea. Yet, the presence of high concentrations still indicates ongoing challenges. The Baltic Sea stands out with consistent moderate levels across various substances, suggesting a less favorable status compared to the NEA Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.
Curbing pollution at its source is vital for reaching the Marine Strategy Framework Directive () objectives for good environmental status. The MSFD programme of measures is designed to address the sources of chemical pollution, including industrial discharges, agricultural runoff and shipping activities. Regional sea conventions (RSC) also help curb pollution via action plans focusing on key sources of pollution, such as agricultural and industrial activities.
Monitoring of more chemicals would allow better assessment of the levels of a larger range of hazardous substances in marine organisms, and enable better understanding and prevention of chemical-related risks.
Please consult the relevant indicators and signals below for a more comprehensive overview on the topic.
The data presented in the indicator come from both the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet), and the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). They cover three European seas: the Baltic and Mediterranean seas, and the North-East Atlantic Ocean. No data are presented for the Black Sea, for which data coverage is low.
The monitored hazardous substances include cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) benzo[a]pyrene (BAP), and the compounds hexachlorobenzene (HCB), lindane, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) CB118, which are banned in the EU. In organisms, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is quite rapidly metabolised to DDE, which is also toxic. Consequently, almost all monitoring programs measure DDE as a proxy for DDT.
Concentrations were classified by in biota where available. Background assessment concentrations criteria and maximum permissible concentrations for humans as established under the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR) were used to set the for the 'low' and 'moderate' classes, respectively.
More information is available at the EEA’s indicator page and the EEA’s water and marine environment page.
Relevant objectives under the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability
- Restore human health and environment to a good quality status
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Zero Pollution Action Plan 2030 target or policy objectives
- Contaminants in fish and other seafood for human consumption do not exceed levels established by Community legislation or other relevant standards ()
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Other relevant indicators and signals
References and footnotes
- EU, 2013, Directive 2013/39/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 August 2013 amending Directives 2000/60/EC and 2008/105/EC as regards priority substances in the field of water policy (Text with EEA relevance) (OJ L 226, 24.8.2013, p. 1–17).a b
- a bDietz, R., et al., 2021, ‘A risk assessment of the effects of mercury on Baltic Sea, Greater North Sea and North Atlantic wildlife, fish and bivalves’, Environment International 146, p. 106178 (DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106178).
- EU, 2008, Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) (Text with EEA relevance) (OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19-40).a b