Pollution and Rehabilitation of the Aquatic Environment in the Delta

The aim of this chapter is to give a brief review of the hydrology, water quality, pollution history and consequent rehabilitation and of the rivers Rhine and Meuse in the Delta, as far as these items are not covered in Chapters 12 and 13. Despite extensive literature surveys on the ecology of river biota (e.g. by Admiraal et al., 1993; Van de Brink, 1994; Van den Brink et al. 1990, 1994, 1996; Van Urk and Smit, 1989), historical information of the impact of pollutants on river biota and food-web functioning appears to be scarce. The collection of comprehensive data sets started only after World War II, and reliable eco-toxicological work was reported from the 1970s onwards. Pioneer work on the impact of PCBs on aquatic biota was done by Koeman et al. (1969). In this chapter the dominant and chronic eutrophication symptoms of the Delta waters get ample attention. The history of water and sediment pollution in the river basins in the Delta will be elaborated in a few selected cases. Next to an historic case study (Amsterdam), recently emitted and deposited chronic residues of heavy metals and organic micro-pollutants will get attention. Case studies on the pollution history of a few selected species will end this chapter.