Pollution levels in Europe

Depositions and concentrations of lead, cadmium and mercury were evaluated on the basis of emissions and meteorological data for 2002. 

In 2002 anthropogenic emissions of lead in Europe amounted to 8 x 103 tons per year (kt/yr). This is about 11% less than in 2001. In addition, natural emissions and re-emissions made up 1 kt/yr. The total depositions to Europe in 2002 were 6.7 kt. 

European countries, source-receptor relationships were evaluated for the composite region the European Union—EU15). The contribution of external anthropogenic sources to EU amounted to 12%. 

A significant amount of lead emitted in a country is transported beyond the national borders contributing to the trans-boundary transport. In 2002 as much as 4.8 kt (around 60% of total anthropogenic emission) of atmospheric lead, emitted in Europe were involved in transport across state borders. Absolute magnitudes of lead transported outside countries vary substantially from country to country. It was calculated as difference between national emission and deposition to the country. This magnitude depends on national emission, size of the territory, climatic conditions and spatial distribution of emission sources within the country. 

The highest amount of lead transported across the state borders, is coming from Russia, followed by Turkey and Italy. This can be explained mainly by the significant absolute values of lead atmospheric emissions in these countries. About 1500 t of lead was transported from the European Union. It should be noted that more than 75% of lead mass involved in the trans-boundary transport is emitted by 10 major countries-contributors. 

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