Mass Flow Analysis For Anthropogenic Micropollutants As Performed In The Swist River Catchment

Monitoring activities for detecting micropollutant concentration ranges have been developed for the Swist river in the German state of North Rhine- Westphalia. The monitoring program covers various point and non-point emission input sources as well as immissions in the watercourse and takes regional factors such as climate, land use and population density into consideration. Data for a relatively large number (up to 160) and broad range of anthropogenic micropollutants (e.g. pharmaceuticals, pesticides and industrial chemicals) has been gathered and analysed. Substance loads at wastewater treatment plant outlets as well as within the river are calculated from flow data and substance concentrations. Sampling times are defined according to season and weather conditions. Knowledge has been gained regarding temporal and spatial variation in the appearance of micropollutants and the requirements for a monitoring program to cover these fluctuations. Moreover, experience has been gained in mass flow analysis and emission balancing.