Application of methodologies to analyse nutrient pollution in a European River Basin Network

Abstract

The EC funded EUROHARP project encompasses 22 research institutes from 17 European countries (2002-2005). The overall objective of the EUROHARP work is to provide end-users with guidance for an appropriate choice of quantification tools to satisfy existing European requirements on harmonisation and transparency for quantifying diffuse nutrient losses, e.g. to facilitate the implementation of the Water Framework Directive and the Nitrates Directive. The project includes both the assessment of the performance of individual models and the applicability of the same models in catchment throughout Europe with different data availability and environmental condition. The basis for the performance and applicability studies is the compilation of a harmonised GIS/database for all catchment data and analysis of these data (trends, watercourse retention).