Eutrophying substances in marine surface water in the Netherlands, 1985-2001
The nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the Western Scheldt fell in the period 1985-2001. Levels also fell or remained stable in other brackish and marine surface waters.
Developments for eutrophying substances in brackish and marine surface water
The nitrogen level in the Western Scheldt and Eems-Dollard has been higher than in other brackish waters for years. The level in the Western Scheldt and Eems-Dollard fell in 2001 compared to 1985.
The phosphate level in the Western Scheldt is also high, but it has been falling for some time. This fall would seem to have come to an end now. There has been a fall or stabilisation in other brackish waters.
Policy relating to eutrophying substances in brackish and marine surface water
There are no standards for eutrophying substances (nutrients) in brackish and marine water. The government has adopted the goal of reducing concentrations to a level at which there will be no negative impact on the ecosystem of the North Sea.
Relevance
Excessive levels of eutrophying substances will harm the ecosystem in the North Sea. This can result in all sorts of undesirable effects such as algal bloom and therefore the formation of foam.
