Gewässerfeindliche Wirkungen von Phosphaten in Flüssen und Bächen

Phosphates cause an increasing proliferation of submerged flowering plants or green filamentous and other algae types in surface waters. These tangles of growth impede the water flow, distort the flow rates calculated on the basis of the water level, disturb and disrupt bathers, shipping activities, fishing and fish breeding, power plant operations, the replenishment of the underground aquifer and the preparation of water for drinking. Primary and secondary wastewater treatment cannot offset the strong imbalance produced in surface waters. Protective measures are discussed.