Study concludes no need for new limits
The study’s results, confirm initial findings presented last year. The European Commission’s environment department is considering possible changes to the directive as part of a review of EU waste laws.
JRC analysis
Scientists at the JRC analysed 63 samples taken from 15 member states during 2011. They tested for the presence of 22 chemical elements and 92 organic compounds such as pesticides, caffeine and the painkiller diclofenac, which might eventually be regulated under a directive on water quality.
The research found levels of all 114 substances were too low to present a measureable risk, so there is no justification for amending limits set by the directive.
Click to view the JRC study.