ESR 15

1. Develop a new evidence-base of sources, pathways and transmission rates for unwanted diffuse chemicals in the water-supply chain;
2. Using minimal models and identify critical nodes to explore the pathways of diffuse chemicals;
3. Based on empirical data (O1) and modelling (O2), determine the most effective interventions that will prevent pollutants from getting into and being transported through the water network. The above approach will subsequently be used to explore source-pathway-interceptors of pharmaceuticals in water courses.

Datasets used in this project are Environment Agency Open Source Data of diffuse chemicals and pharmaceuticals obtained by routine monitoring operations to comply with the wastewater treatment framework directive and the Water Framework Directive. Other complementary datasets from UK water companies will be made accessible via EA partners. These secondary datasets will be supplemented with empirical data collection in select catchments.

1. Data integration across data organisations and across urban-rural landscapes (to feed into the datathon event – month 19);
2. Development of existing tools from alternative disciplines for understanding sources, pathways and transmission of diffuse pollutants;
3. Testing and application of these tools to determine the fate of diffuse chemicals across UK catchments and Austrian catchments, and
4. better understanding of the fate of pharmaceuticals across these catchments.