Nutrient balances for Danube countries: A strategic analysis

Issues of nutrient management were studied in ten countries of the Danube B asin in the frame of the Danube Environment Programme. Comprehensive data c ollection covered socio-economic and natural factors influencing nutrient b alances, water quality of the Danube and its tributaries, and major feature s of wastewater management for municipalities. The innovative methodology o f materials accounting was applied to develop nutrient balances for the cou ntries involved and the Danube Basin, and to get insight on causes, tempora l changes of stocks and early recognition. The approach was cross-checked a gainst loads estimated from ambient water quality observations. Main dilemm as of water quality management (local problems, and the regional eutrophica tion of the Danube Delta and the Black Sea) were identified and options of load reductions were evaluated. Agriculture pollution of mostly non-point S ource origin was found as the key of developing an integrated emission redu ction policy for the Basin. Municipal wastewater management strategies were studied in detail. Recommendations were given on strategy development, mon itoring, research and improved international cooperation in the Danube/Blac k Sea Basin. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of the IA WQ. All rights reserved.