environmental-quality-standards

Annex I, Part A - Priority Substances & Pollutants in water

EU. Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) for Priority Substances: Annex I, Part A, Directive 2008/105/EC, 24 December 2008, amended by Directive 2013/39/EU, 24 August 2013

This list contains environmental quality standards (EQS), including annual averages and maximum allowable concentrations, for priority substances and certain other pollutants, as provided for in Article 16 of Directive 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy.

Benzo(a)pyrene

EC / List no: 200-028-5 CAS no: 50-32-8
NO
28
Maximum limit
5 µg/l
Emission medium
Biota
Notes
9 For the group of priority substances of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) (No 28), the biota EQS and corresponding AA-EQS in water refer to the concentration of benzo(a)pyrene, on the toxicity of which they are based. Benzo(a)pyrene can be considered as a marker for the other PAHs, hence only benzo(a)pyrene needs to be monitored for comparison with the biota EQS or the corresponding AA-EQS in water.

16 For the group of priority substances of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) (No 28), the biota EQS and corresponding AA-EQS in water refer to the concentration of benzo(a)pyrene, on the toxicity of which they are based. Benzo(a)pyrene can be considered as a marker for the other PAHs, hence only benzo(a)pyrene needs to be monitored for comparison with the biota EQS or the corresponding AA-EQS in water.

18 For substances numbered 15 (Fluoranthene) and 28 (PAHs), the biota EQS refers to crustaceans and molluscs. For the purpose of assessing chemical status, monitoring of Fluoranthene and PAHs in fish is not appropriate.