Water pollution at the river Rhine

From the German group

Rhine

• One of the most famous rivers in Germany • Longest river in Europe• Source: Grisons in the Swiss Alps• Mouth: North Sea, Hoek van Holland & Rotterdam• Natural border between Germany & France

Water pollution

• Reasons: - waste water of the factories and households - fertilizer in the river- exhaust emissions of power stations (hydroelectric

power station, coal- fired power station, nuclear power plant)

How to solve the problem?

• construct sewage-works• Phosphate-free washing powder• Reduction of inorganic fertilizier

improvement of water quality /more kinds of fishes

Through the ages

Pollution 1985 1992 2000

Ammonium-N2 37.000 16.800 6.800

AOX 4.675 890 1.100

Lead 550 330 250

Cadmium 9 5,9 5,1

Chrome 500 220 150

Phosphorus 32.000 13.000 13.000

Mercury 6 3,2 1,6

Zinc 3.600 1.900 1.400

Pollution of the river Rhine in 1985, 1992 and 2000

A short clip

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=IWIxSVhLiaI