Emissions to water by the Dutch Agriculture and horticulture target sector, 1990-2001
The emissions of nitrogen and phosphate from agriculture and horticulture continue to fall. Measures taken should cut back the emissions of lead and zinc.
| 1990 | 1995 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | of which | ||
| direct | indirect | ||||||
| 1 000 kg | |||||||
| Nitrogen (as N total) | 8 890 | 6 380 | 6 170 | 5 670 | 4 860 | 4 741 | 119 |
| Phosphorus (as P total) | 609 | 438 | 441 | 421 | 335 | 320 | 15 |
| Lead (Pb) | 61.9 | 35.5 | 34.4 | 34.6 | 34.8 | 34.8 | - |
| Zinc (Zn) | 2.43 | 2.93 | 4.39 | 4.34 | 4.30 | 4.23 | 0.07 |
| Source: CCDM (2003). | CBS/EDC/Sep03/0103 | ||||||
Emissions to water and measures
The emissions of nitrogen and phosphate by agriculture and horticulture continue to fall. Nitrogen and phosphorus emissions are caused by fertiliser being unintentially spread on ditches during fertilising and emissions from agricultural holdings, especially dairy holdings. Run-off and leaching from agricultural land has not been included in the emission data.
Lead emissions are a result of hunting and fishing. The use of lead in hunting munitions is now banned. Stricter measures should also reduce illegal use, which is still widespread. The use of fishing lead will be terminated as soon as an alternative is available.
Emissions of zinc are caused by the corrosion of galvanized steel in greenhouses. To reduce the corrosion and run-off of zinc, agreements have been made with the metals industry about product improvements for the construction industry (VROM, 2001).
Technical note
The table shows emissions at source, including both direct emissions to surface water and indirect emissions to the sewer system. Discharges to the sewer system only reach the surface water after treatment; they are therefore indirect. Since a portion of these substances is removed by water treatment plants, the ultimate burden on surface water is lower.
References
- CCDM (2003). Emissiemonitor. Jaarcijfers 2001 en ramingen 2002. Datawarehouse-Emissieregistratie. Coördinatiecommissie Doelgroepmonitoring, The Hague. You can find descriptions of the calculation method in the meta-information of the Emissiemonitor on the Emissieregistratie website.
- VROM (2001). Emissiereductiedoelstellingen prioritaire stoffen. Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment, The Hague.
Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium
- Emissions to water by target sector in the Netherlands, 2001
- Guide to Environmental theme of Acidification and transboundary air pollution
- Guide to Environmental theme of Toxic and hazardous substances
Relevant information outside of the Environmental Data Compendium
- Recent emission data and descriptions of the calculation methods used (meta-information) can be viewed in detail on the Data Warehouse of the 'Emissieregistratie'.
