European waterways tainted by long-lasting toxins.
The pollution of water bodies in Germany has turned into a significant issue as more chemicals find their way into the water, and these substances cannot be broken down. A specific river is seriously affected by this.
It has been reported by environmental groups that the occurrence of forever chemicals (PFAS) in European waters has reached high levels. One concerning chemical is Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA), which is said to exceed EU limits, according to a report from the European Pesticide Action Network and other organizations. The German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) claims that the Elbe and the Spree in Germany are affected by this contamination.
The report urges for "decisive action" to deal with this contamination, as PFAS pesticides should be banned, and the potential dangers of PFAS chemicals like TFA need to be reassessed.
For the research, over twenty surface and groundwater samples from ten European countries were analyzed by the Water Technology Center in Karlsruhe, including from the Elbe, the Spree, and the Seine in France. In all the samples, TFA was detected. This chemical can easily seep into groundwater and stay there for hundreds of years, according to the report.
As per EU regulations, TFA is considered "not relevant." However, various alliances argue that the substance remains in the environment for a long time and is difficult to filter out from water using conventional methods.
The Elbe in Hamburg: The Worst-Affected Area
BUND states that the Elbe in Hamburg has the highest level of TFA contamination. Among all the samples, it had a concentration of 3300 nanograms per liter, which is above the EU-recommended limit for all PFAS in drinking water at 500 nanograms per liter.
Olaf Bandt, a BUND board member, commented, "We now need a ban on PFAS to prevent the increase in concentrations of these chemicals in our environment." Pesticides must also be prohibited.
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds, a broad category of artificial molecules. Since the 1940s, these chemicals have been used for their heat resistance and waterproof properties, like in water-repellent fabrics, non-stick coatings, detergents, and cosmetics. Due to their valuable industrial properties, these substances are also almost indestructible and accumulate in nature and in the human body.
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- To combat the rising concerns about environmental pollution, it's crucial to incorporate environmental protection education in schools and communities, emphasizing the importance of preserving rivers and lakes like the Elbe and the Spree.
- Recognizing the detrimental effects of environmental pollution on rivers and lakes, such as the rising levels of TFA in the Elbe, initiatives should be taken to promote sustainable manufacturing processes that minimize the use of PFAS chemicals in industries like textiles, cosmetics, and detergents.
Source: www.ntv.de
