Sustainable use of water resources in Europe and the role of integrated modelling of phosphate fluxes

Sustainable management of European water resources is advanced by the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. To achieve its aims the directive requires the realisation of cost-efficient programmes of measures. In this context, also measures for reducing phosphate inputs have to be taken, which demands models as quantification tools for the status quo analysis as well as for scenario analyses. An area-differentiated model approach (MEPhos) for the systematic quantification of P-inputs from point and diffuse sources via eight different pathways is presented. Based on the modelling results, source areas of high P-emissions can be localised and management options proposed.