Editor’s choice
Riverine nutrient loads are among the major causes of eutrophication of the Baltic Sea. This study applied the Soil & Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) in three catchments flowing to the Baltic Sea, namely Vantaanjoki (Finland), Fyrisån (Sweden), and Słupia (Poland), to simulate the effectiveness of nutrient control measures included in the EU’s Water Framework Directive River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs).
The authors also identified similar, coastal, middle-sized catchments to which conclusions from this study could be applicable. The first modelling scenario based on extrapolation of the existing trends affected the modelled nutrient loads by less than 5%. In the second scenario, measures included in RBMPs showed variable effectiveness, ranging from negligible for Słupia to 28% total P load reduction in Vantaanjoki. Adding spatially targeted measures to RBMPs (third scenario) would considerably improve their effectiveness in all three catchments for both total N and P, suggesting a need to adopt targeting more widely in the Baltic Sea countries.
Project / The key theme of Go4Baltic is coherence between the international marine policy governing the Baltic Sea and national environmental policies.
Project / BONUS RETURN – reducing emissions by turning nutrients and carbon into benefits. The project focuses on turning waste into circular solutions for the Baltic Sea
Project / Go4Baltic uurib Läänemere-äärsete riikide ja rahvusvaheliste keskkonna- ja põllumajanduspoliitikate sidusust, sünergiat ja konflikte.
Feature / SEI researchers call for proactive strategies to manage Sweden’s interconnected climate risks and their cascading effects.
Other publication / Mistra Geopolitics research shows if the EU proposal on due diligence were to be adopted, it would weaken recent human rights and environmental regulation.
Project / This project provides novel academic findings and policy-relevant knowledge to contribute to sustainable small-scale hydropower development.
