Project 5.04: Impacts of climate change on patterns of organic pollutants in inland waters

Kathrin Bröder, BfG
Tel. +49 (0) 261/1306-5394, broeder@bafg.de

Dr Michael Schlüsener, BfG,
Tel. +49 (0) 261/1306-5930, schluesener@bafg.de

Dr Thomas Ternes, BfG,
Department G2 – Aquatic Chemistry
Tel. +49 (0) 261/1306-5560, ternes@bafg.de

Objectives

The objective of this project is to analyse the climate-induced changes in patterns of organic pollutants in free-flowing waters and lakes (a comparative study with regard to algal toxins). Along with the knowledge of discharge projections and morphological and biotic-limnological changes, the results of the project will form the basis for a risk analysis of the hydrological changes which can be expected in the climate projections.

In this project, insecticides, herbicides, algal toxins and biocides and their transformation products in surface waters, sewage treatment plant discharge and sediments will be quantified for the first time. The project will examine the extent to which these substances degrade in the system sediment/water or accumulate in sediments. In order to permit long-term predictions on where these occur for the existing climate scenarios and discharge projections, the degradation processes and absorption/adsorption tendencies in sediments and suspended matter will be elucidated for selected typical substances with relevance to climate change. These “studies on whereabouts” will help to place the results of parallel monitoring studies in an international context and to assess them with reference to possible climate scenarios.

This project will enable government ministries and higher authorities to react early to possible changes, introduce adaptation measures and reach agreements with the affected parties. Economic and ecological damage can thus be alleviated or prevented, and farsighted political measures placed on a solid, scientific foundation.