Emissions to water by Traffic and transport in the Netherlands, 1990-2001
Since 1990, the emissions of metals and aromatic organic compounds from traffic and transport have fallen. In recent years, there has been some stabilisation.
| 1990 | 1995 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | of which | ||
| direct | indirect | ||||||
| Metals | 1 000 kg | ||||||
| Copper (Cu) | 26.5 | 28.0 | 29.0 | 28.5 | 27.8 | 25.7 | 2.07 |
| Lead (Pb) | 9.71 | 8.6 | 7.02 | 7.35 | 7.41 | 6.59 | 0.817 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 108 | 99.8 | 103 | 105 | 106 | 47.1 | 59.2 |
| Aromatic organic compounds | |||||||
| Benzene | 167 | 111 | 113 | 137 | 136 | 136 | - |
| Benzo(a)pyrene | 2.7 | 2.48 | 0.47 | 0.49 | 0.40 | 0.34 | 0.059 |
| Fluoranthene | 8.67 | 7.92 | 2.32 | 2.29 | 1.96 | 1.90 | 0.066 |
| PAH (Borneff 6) | 15 | 13.7 | 3.55 | 3.57 | 3.03 | 2.74 | 0.285 |
| Toluene | 426 | 286 | 289 | 350 | 349 | 349 | - |
| Xylenes | 159 | 159 | 159 | 159 | 159 | 159 | - |
| Source: CCDM (2002). | CBS/EDC/Oct02 | ||||||
Lead emissions virtually unchanged
Lead emissions are no longer falling. Leaded petrol has not been used for a few years now.
Slight fall in copper emissions
The reduction in copper emissions is linked to a number of measures. With effect from 1999, the use of antifoulings containing copper has been banned in pleasure craft. Methods have been introduced for railway wash plants and for disposing of discharges from the beds of new rail links. The aim is to control and reduce emissions of copper from overhead lines. In addition, during the construction of new rail links, low-emission materials are used as much as possible.
Slight increase in zinc emissions
Zinc emissions are mainly caused by the corrosion of galvanised steel crash barriers and other road furniture such as lamp posts. A major reduction can be achieved by the development and use of a new type of crash barrier with a coating on the galvanised steel.
Emissions of aromatic organic compounds
The increased use of very open asphalt concrete for roads should lead to a reduction in emissions of polyaromatic hydrocarbons and metals as a result of less wear to road surfaces and tyres. The use of creosote in wood in water constructions is banned, but leaching from existing structures is still resulting in direct PAH emissions to surface water.
Origin of emissions to water
Emissions to water from traffic and transport come from the wearing of road surfaces, tyres and overhead lines, the run-off of leaks of engine oil, leaching and corrosion.
What are direct and indirect emissions to water?
The table lists the emissions from the various sources. It shows both direct emissions to surface water and indirect discharges 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 (2002). Emissiemonitor. Jaarcijfers 2000 en ramingen 2001. 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.
Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium
- Guide to societal developments relating to traffic and transport
- Emissions to water by target sector in the Netherlands, 2001
- 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' website.
