Riverine inputs and direct discharges to Norwegian coastal waters - 2005. OSPAR Commision

Abstract

The report presents results from the 2005 monitoring of 46 Norwegian rivers in accordance with the requirements of the OSPAR Commission. Riverborne inputs of nutrients, suspended particulate matter, total organic carbon, silicate, metals (Cd, Hg, Pb, Cu, Zn, As, Cr, Ni), PCB and the pesticide lindane to Norwegian coastal waters are quantified based on concentration and flow data. In addition, the inputs from rivers not monitored, as well as direct discharges to marine waters along the coast from Sweden to Russia, have been estimated. In general, most substances showed a decline, although varying in magnitude, in riverine loads from 2004 to 2005. This decline is most likely due to regional and intraregional differences in water discharges/regimes between the two years, and changed seasonal distribution in water discharge.