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Social-Ecological Systems Meta-Analysis Database: Component

SummaryPollutants originating mostly from diffuse sources, like agriculture; representative substances are nitrogen and phosphorous
ProjectSESMAD
SubtypePollutant
SectorFresh Water Pollution
Commons BoundariesClear boundaries (3)
ExplanationImportant portions of the river have been channeled and its water course is generally well defined
Commons Unit SizeMicroscopic (1)
Explanation
Environmental MediumFreshwater
ExplanationRhine's waters
Residence TimeMultiple years (3)
ExplanationThis applies not only to water but also to the sediments of the Rhine riparian area
ToxicityHigh (3)
ExplanationToo much nitrogen and phosphorus in the water causes algae to grow faster than ecosystems can handle. Significant increases in algae harm water quality, food resources and habitats, and decrease the oxygen that fish and other aquatic life need to survive. Large growths of algae are called algal blooms and they can severely reduce or eliminate oxygen in the water, leading to illnesses in fish and the death of large numbers of fish. Some algal blooms are harmful to humans because they produce elevated toxins and bacterial growth that can make people sick if they come into contact with polluted water, consume tainted fish or shellfish, or drink contaminated water. Nutrient pollution in ground water - which millions of people in the United States use as their drinking water source - can be harmful, even at low levels. Infants are vulnerable to a nitrogen-based compound called nitrates in drinking water.
Inter Annual PredictabilityModerate (2)
ExplanationPollution by the agricultural sector (main source of diffuse pollution) can be moderately predicted in the mid-term by the economic activity of the sector and the nation in general.
Intra Annual PredictabilityModerate (2)
ExplanationPollution by the agricultural sector (main source of diffuse pollution) can be moderately predicted in the mid-term by the economic activity of the sector and the nation in general.
Commons RenewabilityRenewable (1)
ExplanationThe pollutants are natural chemical elements, which are potentially renewable
Commons AccessibilityVery accessible (3)
ExplanationThe Rhine river is very accessible and thus also the heavy metals
Commons HeterogeneityLow (1)
ExplanationThe continuity of the Rhine's watercourse is not significantly or permanently fragmented by dams.
Commons MobilityHigh (3)
ExplanationAlthough moderated by the existence of dams along the Rhine's course, water and thus the pollutants' mobility is high compared to human standards
Commons Spatial Extent170000
ExplanationSize of the catchment area of the Rhine
Point/NonpointNonpoint source
Explanation
Technical SubstituteNo
ExplanationThere is manure as a substitute of fertilizers but it is potentially as polluting as chemical fertilizers. There are also agricultural practices that can substitute for the need to apply pesticides but only partially