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In order to assess water efficiency options on the European scale, a multi-criteria integrative hydro-economic modeling framework has been developed. With this framework, it is possible to assess combinations of measures which could help reducing the gap between water demand and water availability, while taking into account ecological, water quality, flood risk and economic aspects. The assessed measures include water retention, water savings and nutrient reduction measures. The presented work was carried out within the framework of the "Blueprint to safeguard Europe's waters" policy initiative of the European Commission. Contrary to earlier studies concentrating on single measures in single river basins, this study shows that this modeling environment can evaluate combinations of measures in multiple river basins that meet the considered objectives, and in general can improve various water quantity and quality indicators as compared to the baseline situation. However, additional work is needed on for example quantifying the economics of damage and benefits before the modelling environment may be used for policy advice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluates the impact of various land-use and climate scenarios on water quality and quality at basin scale in Brittany, France. Details on the potential benefits of decreasing manure application; Means of reducing and preventing water pollution; Amount of manure nitrogen applied to the land.

Abstract: The article introduces the European Union (EU)-wide monitoring concept as run by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and specifically addresses the issue of stability tests for environmental specimen and samples using the so-called isochronous stability-test design. We briefly describe the underlying statistical concept and apply it to water samples being collected in the context of the JRC’s EU-wide environmental monitoring activities. The stability of spiked tap-water and river-water samples and their containers was assessed at 4°C, 20°C and 40°C using ibuprofen, gemfibrozil, ketoprofen, diclofenac, bezafibrate, naproxen, perfluoroheptanoate (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), carbamzepine, sulfamethoxazole, terbutylazine and triclosan as test substances in two different stability-testing schemes. The stability of the samples decreased as expected with an increase in the storage temperature. Uncertainty contributions were calculated and it was concluded that this type of sample remains stable for ca. 6weeks if stored at 4°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]