Eutrophication is the increase in chemical nutrients in an ecosystem which results in excessive plant growth and decay. Whereas nutrients are a requirement in order for aquatic plants and animals to grow, unnaturally high levels of nutrients cause excessive growth. When the plants die, they are decomposed by micro-organisms including bacteria which consume oxygen dissolved...

Eight more substances of very high concern (SVHC) have been added to the REACH Authorisation list of substances subject to prior approval (Authorisation), following a decision adopted by the European Commission on 14 February 2012.   The substances, with uses including plasticisers, pigments and  glass manufacture, are diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) diarsenic trioxide  diarsenic pentaoxide lead chromate,...

The requirement for control and treatment of Water and Wastewater is driven by health and legislative requirements, including: Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts 1977-1990. The Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003 Urban Wastewater Treatment (91/271/EEC) Drinking Water (80/778/EEC as amended by 98/83/EC) ECOS have over 20 years of specialist expertise and...

Pollution prevention as a term has become less used recently, supplanted by sustainability.  However, the fundamental idea of preventing pollution rather than trying to address problems caused by pollution is essential for efficient, economically viable development, ie Sustainable Development. It  makes sense, both economically and environmentally, to. Reduce the input of materials and energy Minimize the...

Environmental Sustainability relates to activities and developments which address current needs without compromising the ability  to meet future requirements. We apply our specialist knowledge to support clients with a range of activities including: Product and Process Appraisal Training & Reports Independent Unbiased Information  Performance Audits Technology and Operations Review Cost Effective Compliance ECOS utilizes our...

Pollution prevention rather than trying to address problems caused by pollution is essential for efficient, economically viable development, ie Sustainable Development. It  makes sense, both economically and environmentally, to. Reduce the input of materials and energy Minimize the amount of waste for treatment and disposal Reuse or sympathetically dispose/treat of wastes Invest in prevention to save...

The components of an Environmental Management System (EMS) (as defined under the ISO 14001 specification, EMAS Regulation or in a license) incorporates: Baseline Environmental Review/Audit Planning Environmental Policy Environmental Objectives and Targets EM Programme Implementation and Operation Operational Control Emergency Preparedness and Response Responsibility Allocation Awareness and Training Communications Check and Review Checks and Corrective...

Up to 90% of the country’s 1.35 million households will start paying water charges from 2014, according to a new report prepared for the Government. Consumers will also pay VAT on top of their bills, as a private company, Irish Water, will be charging for the services instead of a public body.   The water...

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have built a prototype device which they say can generate electricity from waste water and simultaneously treat the water. Reverse electrodialysis (RED) technology was developed in the Netherlands and other countries. Fresh water and seawater are placed in intermittent chambers separated by membranes, and an electrochemical charge is created. Researchers...

The European Environment Agency (EEA) report which was presented at the 6th World Water Forum in Marseille stated that the continent’s water resources were under pressure, limited supplies were being wasted, and nations had to implement existing legislation more effectively. The EEA report is the first of five water-themed reports that the agency planned to...