Better understanding needed over water quality threats

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has claimed that greater understanding is needed on emerging threats to the continent's water quality.

In a new report, the body suggested that a number of pollutants are being released into fresh and marine water, which could be potentially damaging to human health.

Despite accepting that the EU has "strong" environmental legislation in place, the EEA stated there is a requirement for more sustainable production of chemicals.

Representatives believe there is relatively little knowledge of new threats to waterways such as nanomaterials, while some pharmaceuticals are also proving problematic.

The report said that improving understanding on a global scale would be beneficial, as many substances - particularly in the medical sector - are mass produced outside of Europe.

Indeed, the Swedish Medical Products Agency recently called for the EU to enforce tighter regulations on pharmaceutical firms in countries such as India, as many are causing unnecessary damage to the environment by allowing hazardous substances to drift into rivers.

Posted by Claire Manning