Discharges of toxic organic micropollutants from various industrial, agricultural and municipal sources have resulted in permanently contaminated water bodies, polluted sediments and accumulation of xenobiotic chemicals in the aquatic food chain. This phenomenon has been observed throughout the industrialized world, although the extent of the problem and geographical distribution is not yet fully delineated. the depletion of groundwater reserves and water quality deterioration of surface waters in most European countries have been of growing concern. Surface water from rivers and lakes is already used intensively and the pressure on these water resources will increase as the demand for drinking water supply grows in the future. It is becoming ever more imperative that the water supply be protected from contamination. Indeed, several countries have already adopted a number of measures aimed at reversing this trend. Evaluation of long-term scenarios, with particular emphasis on the organic micropollutants in the wawter supply system, serves as a problem identification tool for working out management options that will assist int he drive to reduce water pollution.
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