Water Pollution Sources In Europe: An Environmental Concern

Europe's water resources are under pressure from various sources of pollution, including eutrophication, over-exploitation, physical alterations to water habitats, and climate change. The quality of water is influenced by both direct inputs, such as industrial emissions and sewage treatment plants, and diffuse sources, such as pesticides and nutrients from agricultural activities. While most Europeans have access to drinking water, interruptions and health concerns are prevalent in certain areas, with rural populations being more at risk. The EU has implemented legislation to protect and manage water resources, but the conservation status of marine ecosystems remains critical, and the presence of toxic pesticides and micro-pollutants in water supplies continues to be a pressing issue.

Industrial and human waste

Europe's water resources are under pressure from pollution, eutrophication, over-exploitation, and climate change. Industrial and human waste are significant contributors to water pollution in Europe.

Industrial Waste

Industrial activities are a major source of water pollution in Europe. Direct emissions released into water bodies from large industrial sites have decreased in recent years for many pollutants. However, industrial pollution transferred through sewer systems to urban wastewater treatment plants (UWWTPs) has increased, putting pressure on the wastewater treatment infrastructure. Sectors such as pulp and paper, iron and steel, energy supply, non-ferrous metals, and the chemicals industry have a significant impact on water pollution. Smaller industrial facilities not regulated by EU legislation may exert greater pressure on water quality than larger installations covered by legislation. The European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR) tracks emissions from industrial facilities, but the extent of emissions from many small facilities remains unknown.

Human Waste

Human activities, including sewage treatment and agricultural practices, also contribute to water pollution in Europe. Sewage and wastewater treatment are significant sources of "point source pollution," directly impacting water quality. Inadequate wastewater treatment can lead to the discharge of high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, compromising water quality and posing risks to human health.

Progress and Challenges

Europe has made progress in improving wastewater treatment, with an increasing share of urban wastewater being collected and treated according to EU standards. The EU Urban Waste Water Directive sets out a time plan for constructing infrastructure to collect and treat wastewater in urban areas, including biological treatment to remove organic pollution, bacteria, and viruses. However, large differences remain across Europe, and the conservation status of marine ecosystems is critical.

Health Impact

Water pollution has significant health implications for Europeans. Over 2.5 million cases of gastrointestinal and other waterborne diseases were reported in 18 European countries over 11 years, with 2% linked to drinking water. Providing continuous access to safe drinking water is crucial to protecting populations from waterborne diseases.

Agricultural pollution

Europe's water quality is generally improving, but agriculture remains a key source of pollution and a significant challenge. In 2017, agriculture was responsible for 59% of total freshwater use in Europe.

Pesticides from agriculture are also present in raw water used for drinking water production, with concentrations that are cause for concern. However, a lack of data makes it difficult to establish trends. In addition, phosphorus from human waste and industry is another pollutant that has impacted Europe's water.

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has reported that 22% of Europe's surface water bodies and 28% of its groundwater area are significantly affected by diffuse pollution from agriculture, including both nutrients and pesticides. Groundwater supplies 65% of drinking water and 25% of water for agricultural irrigation in the 27 EU member states.

The EU and its member states have implemented policies and measures to improve water quality and reduce pollution. While there has been progress in some areas, such as bathing water quality and drinking water treatment, there are still concerns about the conservation of wetlands and plastic litter in seas. The EEA supports these policies through knowledge products, assessments, and indicators, as well as information systems on freshwater and marine environments.

Pesticides and herbicides

Pesticides are chemicals used to kill or control pests. They include herbicides (for weeds), insecticides (for insects), fungicides (for fungi), nematocides (for nematodes), and rodenticides (vertebrate poisons). Pesticides are used to protect crops and increase yields. They also play a significant role in food production.

Pesticides are potentially toxic to humans and can have both acute and chronic health effects, depending on the quantity and the way a person is exposed. They can contaminate surface waters and groundwater, and if their concentrations are above critical thresholds, they can be harmful to the environment. Pesticides have unique mobility properties, and many are soluble in water, which increases the risk of leaching. Residual herbicides applied directly to the soil are designed to bond to the soil structure, but their persistency can cause other problems.

In Europe, 22% of surface water bodies and 28% of the groundwater area are significantly affected by diffuse pollution from agriculture, including pesticides. Between 2013 and 2022, 9% to 25% of all surface water monitoring sites detected one or more pesticides above the effect threshold each year. The insecticides imidacloprid and cypermethrin and the herbicide metolachlor were the most common causes of exceedance. In groundwater, the herbicide atrazine and its metabolites, as well as glyphosate and bentazone, were the most frequent causes of exceedance. Atrazine was banned in 2007 but continues to be found in groundwater due to its persistence.

The European Green Deal sets targets to reduce the use of and risks from chemical pesticides by 50% by 2030. The Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Groundwater Directive set environmental quality standards for pesticides in surface water and groundwater, respectively. According to the WFD, pesticide concentrations above critical thresholds lead to surface waters failing to achieve "good chemical status" and "good ecological status."

Sewage treatment plants

Europe's sewage treatment plants have traditionally focused on cleaning water and returning it to the environment in a simple, linear approach. However, with new techniques and innovations, these facilities can act as resource hubs providing reclaimed water, energy, nutrients, and organic materials for reuse, recycling, and recovery. This approach is known as a circular economy and can help Europe achieve its zero-pollution targets.

One of the challenges facing sewage treatment plants in Europe is the increasing number of pollutants in urban wastewater, many of which come from products used in homes. These include nitrogen and phosphorus from human waste, food, and certain soaps and detergents. When wastewater is treated, some of these chemicals may not be completely removed and can become a source of pollution in local water bodies.

Another challenge is the impact of climate change, which is causing storm water surges from extreme weather. This puts additional pressure on treatment plants and can lead to the release of untreated or partially treated wastewater, further contributing to water pollution.

To address these issues, Europe needs to modernise and improve coherence in the sewage treatment sector. This includes improving efficiency in water use and pollution control, as well as enabling innovation in approaches to water and sewage management. Large treatment plants can deliver efficiencies of scale, while decentralised sewage treatment can enable circularity at the local level.

Climate change

Ocean acidity has increased by 30% since the 1980s due to climate change, and models predict further acidification. The average sea surface temperature has increased by 0.2-0.5°C per decade since 1981. These changes in ocean chemistry and temperature have significant ecological consequences, impacting marine life and ecosystems.

The impacts of climate change on water resources are closely linked to other human activities, such as agriculture and industrialisation. Agriculture is the most significant pressure impacting both surface and groundwater in Europe. Intensive agricultural practices, including the use of pesticides and nutrients, contribute to water pollution and excessive water consumption.

To improve water resilience and alleviate the pressures on water sources, better water management is essential. This includes reducing water use, improving efficiency, and setting targets to save water and reduce demand. Additionally, nature-based solutions, such as restoring rivers, wetlands, and peatlands, can help mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events and provide good-quality water.

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