Long-term data reflect nitrogen pollution in Estonian rivers

We analysed long-term (1992-2020) changes in fertiliser use, wastewater treatment, and river water nutrient status in Estonia (N-E Europe) in the context of changing socio-economic situations and legislation. We hypothesised that more precise regulation of fertiliser usage and improved wastewater treatment are reflected as declining riverine nutrient concentrations, and that the largest relative improvements occurred in catchments with initially high proportions of point source loading. We used data on population and livestock densities, fertiliser use, and wastewater treatment from the Statistics Estonia database and riverine nutrient concentrations from the environmental monitoring database. We clustered the rivers by their catchment properties and analysed trends and step changes in their nutrient status. Point source nutrient loading reductions explained most of the observed decline in riverine nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, whereas the application of mineral fertilisers has increased, hindering efforts to reach water quality and nutrient load targets set by the EU Water Framework Directive and the Baltic Sea Action Plan. Highest nitrogen concentrations and strongest increasing trends were found in rivers within the nitrate vulnerable zone, indicating violation of the EU Nitrates Directive. To comply with these directives, resource managers must address non-point source nutrient loading from river watersheds.

Automated summary

This study analysed long-term changes in fertiliser use, wastewater treatment, and river water nutrient status in Estonia. The findings indicated that reductions in point source nutrient loading contributed to the decline in riverine nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. However, the increased use of mineral fertilisers hindered efforts to meet water quality and nutrient load targets set by the EU directives.