Phosphate input pathways Theel and Ill
Study to determine the pathways and quantities of phosphate inputs from agriculture in the Theel and Ill catchment area
Background
The reduction of nutrient inputs into watercourses plays an important role in the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive. Identifying the sources of emissions is an important first step in planning and implementing concrete measures.
The main pathways for phosphate are point sources of urban drainage in the form of sewage treatment plant effluent and relief structures in the sewer system, as well as diffuse sources (agriculture, canals, mixed water, etc.).
In order to determine the origin of nutrient inputs, the Technical University of Kaiserslautern presented a study on the problem in the Ill and Theel catchment area in 2018. As part of this study, methods were developed to balance emissions with varying degrees of detail and to identify the main sources.
Project objective
However, the study by the Technical University of Kaiserslautern did not differentiate between inputs from agriculture, but rather assigned them collectively to the cultivated area in the region.
In order to reduce water pollution in the Theel and Ill catchment area caused by agriculture in a targeted and effective manner, it is necessary to examine emissions from agriculture in more detail.
The project therefore aims to evaluate the TU Kaiserslautern study from an agricultural science perspective.
The study will focus on investigating phosphate inputs from agriculture, as phosphate pollution is a pressing problem in the Theel and Ill region.
Project work
In line with the task at hand, the study will be divided into two content-related work packages and a presentation and reporting work package:
- WP1: Analysis and evaluation of the study by the Technical University of Kaiserslautern
- WP2: Review, update and evaluation of existing measurement results
- WP3: Presentations, discussion and reporting
External consulting
Dr Peter Seel will act as an external consultant and co-author for the project.
Downloads
- Study to determine the entry paths and quantities of phosphate from agriculture in the Theel and Ill catchment area, final report, 03/2021
>> PDF - Causes of eutrophication in Theel and Ill – Necessary measures. Presentation at the closing event at the Ministry of the Environment and Consumer Protection.
Dr Peter Seel,seel-schwager@t-online.de>> zum Download
The assessments published in the study on the status of current wastewater treatment in the Theel and Ill catchment area are not supported by the Technical Environmental Protection Department of the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, Mobility, Agriculture and Consumer Protection.
The water management findings of this study on the EVS sewage treatment plants have already been implemented as part of the 2nd management plan, and the further measures proposed for implementation in the study “in the medium to long term” are also already included in the 3rd management plan.
Client
