Chemical state of inland waters needs to be improved

In the European Union, the chemical status of waters is assessed using concentration limits, also known as quality standards. Maximum concentrations are set for dozens of substances that are dangerous or harmful to the environment. If the concentration limit for any individually named substance is exceeded, the water's chemical status cannot be classified as good.

The chemical status of Finland's surface waters was last assessed in 2020, considering 53 substances or substance groups. The concentrations of most substances were very low compared to the quality standards. However, for a few substances, the concentration limit was exceeded in a large part of the country or everywhere. Therefore, the chemical status of surface waters is not classified as good anywhere in Finland.
 

The threshold values for flame retardants are exceeded everywhere

Finland's poor classification result for surface waters is mainly due to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are flame retardants. Their concentration limit is exceeded throughout Finland and also everywhere else in Europe. The quality standard for PBDEs has been criticized as being too strict. The use of PBDEs is currently prohibited worldwide with certain exceptions. Concentrations in the environment are decreasing, though slowly, as the substances continue to be released from old materials.

Many water bodies still have too much mercury

In about half of Finland's water bodies, there is an excess of mercury. The amount of mercury is measured in fish, and the concentration limit is strict – much stricter than for fish used as food. Mercury has accumulated in waters and soils over decades. Despite international agreements limiting the use and emissions of mercury, the recovery of water bodies is likely to take decades or centuries.

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Concentrations of other substances are mostly low

For most of the other examined substances, concentrations remain well within the limits of quality standards. The concentration limit is exceeded for nickel and cadmium in about 40 water bodies and for certain organic compounds in about ten sites. The latter include specific polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organic tin compounds (TBT), and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFOS).

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There may be many more harmful substances

In Finland, there are tens of thousands of chemicals and pharmaceuticals in use for which concentration limits have not been set. Some have been found to be harmless, but others, alone or in combination, can have adverse effects on nature. The chemicals of most concern are pharmaceuticals and consumer products. They can end up in water bodies through waste and wastewater. Wastewater treatment is being improved to remove a greater proportion of chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Chemical status of waters is improving slowly

Information about the state and classification of waters provides the basis for regional water management plans. These plans propose actions to improve the state of waters. Improvements in chemical status is slowed down by the presence of environmentally hazardous and harmful substances in soils and sediments from past use. Many substances also enter Finland with air currents from beyond its borders.

Read more about the chemical status of waters