Unified Metrics Library - Emissions to water
Helper question
Summary
Unit
Description
Regulatory definition "Emissions to water" means direct emissions of priority substances as defined in Article 2(30) of Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (16) and direct nitrates, direct phosphate emissions, direct pesticides emissions as referred to in that Directive, Council Directive of 12.
Here below, the list of priority substances in terms of water policy according to
- Alachlor
- Anthracene
- Atrazine
- Benzene
- Brominated diphenylethers
- Cadmium and its compounds
- Chloroalkanes, C10-13
- Chlorfenvinphos
- Chlorpyrifos (Chlorpyrifos-ethyl)
- 1,2-dichloroethane
- Dichloromethane
- Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)
- Diuron
- Endosulfan
- Fluoranthene
- Hexachlorobenzene
- Hexachlorobutadiene
- Hexachlorocyclohexane
- Isoproturon
- Lead and its compounds
- Mercury and its compounds
- Naphthalene
- Nickel and its compounds
- Nonylphenols
- Octylphenols
- Pentachlorobenzene
- Pentachlorophenol
- Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)
- Simazine
- Tributyltin compounds
- Trichlorobenzenes
- Trichloromethane (chloroform)
- Trifluralin
- Dicofol
- Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and its derivatives (PFOS)
- Quinoxyfen
- Dioxins and dioxin-like compounds
- Aclonifen
- Bifenox
- Cybutryne
- Cypermethrin
- Dichlorvos
- Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDD)
- Heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide
- Terbutryn
Sources
Examples
Chemical Discharge: Chemical manufacturing plants may release hazardous chemicals and heavy metals into waterways.
Oil and Grease: Industries such as oil refineries can release oil and grease into water, leading to oil spills and contamination.
Agricultural Runoff: Agricultural activities can contribute to water pollution through the runoff of fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste.
Wastewater Discharge: Municipal wastewater treatment plants discharge treated sewage and wastewater into rivers or coastal areas. If not properly treated, this effluent can contain pathogens, organic matter, and chemicals that can contaminate water bodies.
Mining Activities: Mining operations can release heavy metals and other pollutants into nearby rivers and streams. Acid mine drainage is a common issue, resulting in the release of acidic water with high metal concentrations.
Construction Activities: Construction sites can generate sediment runoff, which can carry soil, debris, and construction-related chemicals into nearby waterways.