A source classification framework supporting pollutant source mapping, pollutant release prediction, transport and load forecasting, and source control planning for urban environments

• Published in: Environmental science and pollution research international 2012-05, Vol.19 (4), p.1119-1130
• Main Authors: Lützhøft, Hans-Christian Holten, Donner, Erica, Wickman, Tonie, Eriksson, Eva, Banovec, Primož, Mikkelsen, Peter Steen, Ledin, Anna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aquatic Pollution; Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution; Cities; Classification; Classification systems; Databases as Topic; Drinking water; Earth and Environmental Science; Ecotoxicology; Emission standards; Environment; Environmental Chemistry; Environmental Health; Environmental law; Environmental legislation; Environmental management; Environmental Monitoring - methods; Environmental quality; Environmental Science; European Union; Hazardous materials; Legislation; Load; Management; Miljövetenskap; Multidisciplinary research; Pollutants; Pollution; Pollution dispersion; Pollution monitoring; Priorities; Priority substances; Research Article; Source classification; Stormwater; Studies; Urban areas; Urban environments; Urban pollution; Waste Water Technology; Wastewater; Water Framework Directive; Water Management; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis; Water Pollutants, Chemical - classification; Water pollution; Water Pollution Control; Water treatment
• ISSN: 0944-1344; 1614-7499; 1614-7499
• DOI: 10.1007/s11356-011-0627-9

Purpose Implementation of current European environmental legislation such as the Water Framework Directive requires access to comprehensive, well-structured pollutant source and release inventories. The aim of this work was to develop a Source Classification Framework (SCF) ideally suited for this purpose. Methods Existing source classification systems were examined by a multidisciplinary research team, and an optimised SCF was developed. The performance and usability of the SCF were tested using a selection of 25 chemicals listed as priority pollutants in Europe. Results The SCF is structured in the form of a relational database and incorporates both qualitative and quantitative source classification and release data. The system supports a wide range of pollution monitoring and management applications. The SCF functioned well in the performance test, which also revealed important gaps in priority pollutant release data. Conclusions The SCF provides a well-structured approach for European pollutant source and release classification and management. With further optimisation and demonstration testing, the SCF has the potential to be fully implemented throughout Europe.