SOURCES OF HEAVY-METAL POLLUTION IN THE RHINE BASIN

The concept of industrial metabolism is introduced as an analytical framework for many diffuse sources of pollution for which 'end of pipe' control will not work and pollution prevention at the source is required. The concept is applied to pollution in the Rhine Basin which ends up in The Netherlands Delta and the North Sea, where the character of the pollutants changes over time. Cadmium, lead and zinc pollution from point sources, traffic, corrosion and atmospheric deposition are considered. Calculations cover the period from 1950 to 2010. In this study strongly urbanized paved and unpaved areas are distinguished based on their transport of pollutants to surface waters.