What is the status of groundwater with respect to nitrates?

Nitrates in groundwater result from anthropogenic activities, mainly the application of nitrate-rich fertilisers, which leach into the aquifer system. In 2011, nitrate levels exceeded the EU limit value of 50mg/l in 11 out of 15 of groundwater bodies. In 2010 nitrates also exceeded the EU limit value in 11 out of 15 groundwater bodies.

The highest nitrate concentration (488mg/l) was again recorded at Pwales coastal groundwater body, increasing by 28.9 per cent since 2010.

The highest value in the perched aquifer was recorded at Żebbug at 213.5mg/l. Nitrate concentrations in the mean sea level aquifer systems were also high. In 2011 the mean nitrate level at the Malta mean sea level groundwater body was 64.2mg/l, down from 70.2mg/l in 2010, and indicating that the nitrate levels in this aquifer are relatively stable. The mean level recorded at the Gozo mean sea level groundwater body decreased slightly to 47.5mg/l. In line with the Water Framework Directive, Malta is bound to achieve a 50mg/l limit value for nitrates by 2015.

For more information see The Environment Report Indicators 2010-2011 at http://www.mepa.org.mt/teri2010-2011 .

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.