Heavy metals include copper, chromium, lead, zinc, cadmium, nickel en mercury. These substances can have harmful effects on aquatic life even at low concentrations in surface water. Discharges of heavy metals from sewage treatment were measured by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) until 2017, and since 2017 they have been measured by CBS in years ending in an even number and by the Netherlands Pollutant Release and Transfer Register in partnership with CBS in years ending in an odd number.
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