The ICPR measuring programme chemistry and its monitoring approach – a look back and a glimpse of the future

ABSTRACT

The Rhine measuring programme chemistry dates back to 1953, and its monitoring network as well as procedures have changed significantly over time. Next to pressures from industry and household wastewater loads, catastrophes such as the Sandoz chemical spill in 1986 fostered international cooperation along the Rhine. By integrating technical trends and innovations, the programme has managed to keep pace with societal and regulative demands. It remains a programme with one foot in its long history and one in the present, facing the challenges to come, with its strength based on a multilevel international cooperation based on trust.

KEYWORDS:

• Long-term monitoring
• international cooperation
• aquatic chemistry
• monitoring network
• Rhine

Acknowledgements

The authors thank all delegates and observers of the ICPR groups SMON and S within the last decades. Long-term approaches need people with farsightedness, perseverance and a high level of altruism. Let’s continue to take care of father Rhine!

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection [BMUV action 102].