Pollution
During the past years, the pollution of the Rhine and of many of its tributaries was distinctly improved by the exemplary co-operation of all ICPR states and the engaged implementation of the Programme Rhine 2020, in particular due to the reduction of point source pollutant inputs of industrial and municipal origin.
However, pollution originating from the surface, (diffuse) inputs of nitrogen and pollutants from agriculture, pollution due to historically polluted river sediments and substances measured in very low concentrations in water bodies (micro-pollutions) continue to be problematic. Furthermore, navigation continues to accidentally or deliberately discharge substances into the water.
An „Overall strategy for the sediment management of the Rhine“ is supposed to contribute to reduce the pollution of the Rhine ecosystem with historic pollutions.
Did you know ...
that the ICPR speaks up for achieving that fish, mussels and crustaceans from the Rhine may be eaten without any restriction?