WRITTEN QUESTION E-2517/01

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(14 September 2001)

Subject: Excessive concentration of toxins in aquatic ecosystems

Research carried out at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki reveals that, during 1999-2000, 32 aquatic ecosystems in Greece had concentrations of toxins above the limits set by the World Health Organisation in nine lakes (Volvi, Doiran, Mikri Prespa, Vistonida, Amvrakia, Zazari, Kastoria, Ioannina).

1. Is the Commission aware of this situation and what action can be taken under Community law to tackle the problem?

2. What risks to public health are associated with excessive concentration of toxins in aquatic ecosystems?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2001)

1. With reference to the research carried out in Greek aquatic ecosystems, the Commission is aware of water quality problems in Greece as far as eutrophication problems of Greek water bodies are well known. However, the present question concerns toxic species (blue algae in fresh waters), for which little information is available, and studies are going on in several Member States for drinking or bathing waters.

Under Community law, water quality problems are taken into account in several directives, such as the Surface Water for Drinking Water Directive, the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, the Nitrates Directive(1) and others. These Directives aim at a certain water quality as at the reduction of impacts on water bodies, especially regarding nutrients and dangerous substances.

However, limit values for toxins are not laid down in existing Community-legislation, as the problem had not been investigated and monitoring methods had not yet been developed at the time the Directives were adopted.

The provisions of the above Directives can in this sense be regarded as measures at source as they should protect against phenomena such as bad water quality and eutrophication being the basis for negative environmental effects e.g. occurrence of excessive concentration of algae toxins. These blue algae are mainly favoured by inputs of phosphorus originating primarily from urban and industrial waste waters and agriculture.

At present the Commission is in discussion with the Greek authorities on their review and enlarging of sensitive areas (under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive) and vulnerable zones (under the Nitrates Directive). An improvement in this field would lead to more stringent provisions in endangered areas and be a significant step forwards combating eutrophication and nitrates problems in surface waters and groundwater bodies. This improvement of water quality, in general, would tackle the problem of high concentration of toxins as well, as it occurs as a consequence of eutrophication.

In the Fifth Framework Programme of Research and Technological Development (1998-2002), an initiative to build up a European wide network on the issue of algae toxins has already been started. Moreover, a research project (Photox) on the development of a new technology for the photocatalytic destruction of cyanotoxins has been launched. In this framework, after assessment of the problem at European level and of the potential for exisiting and advanced technologies to monitor and remove cyanotoxins from water, the Community could set up guidelines for measures on toxins in aquatic ecosystems and, if necessary, limit values on toxins should be laid down in Community-legislation in the future.

It is worth mentioning that in the agri-environmental measure under the rural development plan 2000-2006 for Greece (Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999 of 17 May 1999 on support for rural development from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and amending and repealing certain Regulations(2)) a specific action is foreseen in some Natura 2000 areas of Northern Greece, including Lakes Vistonida and Koronia, providing for low input farm management systems, aiming at improving biodiversity. However, this action should be beneficial for the quality of water in these lakes as well, since it will contribute to reducing pollution from farming.

2. Risk to public health arises as soon as the limit values on toxins, as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) are exceeded (i. e. 1 microgram (µg)/Microcystin per liter (/l)). Microcystin is a cell-toxin, which harms enzymatic activity. In human beings, liver cells are mainly affected. Covering the average daily water consumption by water exceeding the above Microcystin limit values could lead to acute poisoning (liver bleeding). By swimming in water polluted by excessive concentrations of toxins mainly babies and children would be at risk.

In case of excessive concentrations of toxins, local authorities should take actions to minimise risks for public health (no water abstraction for drinking water, information of the public, warning signs at place, monitoring of waters with regard to toxins, ).

However, it also has to be mentioned that the occurrence of algae blooms of Cyanobacteria do not lead systematically to high concentrations of toxins in any case as only certain species produce toxins. On the other hand, how far other toxins with a significant public health risk might be produced by algae is not well known at present.

(1) Council Directive 75/440/EEC of 16 June 1975 concerning the quality required of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water in the Member States, OJ L 194, 25.7.1975Council Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste-water treatment, OJ L 135, 30.5.1991Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources, OJ L 375, 31.12.1991.

(2) OJ L 160, 26.6.1999.