{"id":22988955,"date":"2025-07-09T15:51:13","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T15:51:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grupooperativoacceso.eu\/?p=22988955"},"modified":"2025-07-09T15:51:13","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T15:51:13","slug":"nitrate-vulnerable-zones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grupooperativoacceso.eu\/en\/nitrate-vulnerable-zones\/","title":{"rendered":"Nitrate vulnerable zones"},"content":{"rendered":"

What\u2019s the issue?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nitrates and organic nitrogen compounds from fertilizers and manure enter groundwater through leaching and reach surface water via runoff from agricultural fields. A high nitrate concentration makes water unsuitable for drinking.<\/span><\/p>\n

In rivers, lakes, and marine waters, nitrogen and other nutrients\u2014particularly phosphorus\u2014stimulate algae growth. At moderate levels, algae serve as food for aquatic organisms, including fish. However, excessive nutrient concentration in water systems leads to overgrowth of algae. This disrupts the natural ecosystem and can cause oxygen depletion in the water. This phenomenon, known as eutrophication, has negative consequences for biodiversity, fisheries, and recreational activities (Directorate-General for the Environment, European Commission).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"GOS

Figure 1: The Nitrogen Cycle (European Commission).<\/p><\/div>\n

Solution: European Regulation<\/strong><\/p>\n

In response, the EU adopted the Nitrates Directive in 1991, aimed at protecting water quality across Europe by preventing agricultural nitrate pollution of soil, groundwater, and surface water.<\/span>
\n<\/span>This directive seeks to reduce water pollution caused by nitrates used in agriculture through:<\/span><\/p>\n