1. 28
  2. Substance and pollutant

Substance and pollutant

Nitrogen cycle

Updated on 25/02/2019
Définition
Sens commun

All of the processes and conversions of nitrogen, into different forms, in the atmosphere, the lithosphere, the hydrosphere and the biosphere (nitrous oxide, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, organic nitrogen).

Source
according to the Ministry of Environment

London Convention

Updated on 06/09/2018
Définition
Sens technique
International Convention signed in 1972 and entered into force in 1975 for the prevention of marine pollution by dumping of wastes.
Source
according to the Ministry of Agriculture

Oslo Convention

Updated on 06/09/2018
Définition
Sens technique
International Convention signed in 1972 for the prevention of marine pollution by dumping from ships and aircraft. The Oslo Commission was responsible for administering the Oslo Convention; in 1992, it combined with the Paris Commission, before the new Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR Convention) entered into force in 1998.
Source
according to OSPAR Commission

Water pollution

Updated on 06/09/2018
Définition
Sens commun
Pollution of water degrading its intrinsic qualities, disrupting aquatic life and making its use dangerous for human beings and animals. This contamination results from the presence of pollutants in sufficient quantity to be harmful.
Source
according to ADEME

Pollution basin

Updated on 06/09/2018
Définition
Sens technique
Storm basin intended to retain the pollution of the first waters during periods of heavy rain.
Source
according to FNDAE

Water self cleaning/ water assimilative capacity

Updated on 26/10/2022
Définition
Sens commun
Biological process by which water in natural environments (rivers, wetlands, lakes, etc.) cleans itself when the amount of pollutants discharged into it is not too significant. Self-cleaning is the result of the action of organisms living in water.
Source
according to OFB

Biomarker

Updated on 25/02/2019
Définition
Sens commun
A measurable biological parameter, an indicator of a biological process that can reveal the exposure to or effects of a contaminant. Biomarkers are used to make environmental assessments or health diagnoses.
Source
according to IRSTEA

Pollution index

Updated on 27/02/2019
Définition
Sens technique

Arbitrary function of the concentration of one or more pollutants which is a measure of the potential harmfulness of pollution.

Source
d'après BRGM

Marine Strategy Framework Directive

Updated on 25/02/2019
Définition
Sens technique
Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing common framework and objectives for the protection and conservation of the marine environment by 2020. Member States shall assess the needs in the marine areas under their jurisdiction and develop their own strategies to achieve good ecological status of marine waters for which they are responsible. These strategies are designed to ensure the protection and restoration of European marine ecosystems and the ecological sustainability of economic activities linked to the marine environment.
Source
According to the European Commission