Data availability

The available data are typically limited to substances which are already included in routine monitoring programmes.

Data accessibility

Numerous investigative and surveillance monitoring programmes have been launched (e.g. for surface water within all major EU river basins). However, it is not currently possible to have an overview of emerging substances concentrations and associated biological data. Such information would be a very significant aid to the identification of the gaps and the need for further monitoring activity.

Data reporting formats

There is a problem with the heterogeneity of reporting format and lack of supporting information (so called metadata) which creates problems in the actual use of the data that are available.

Quality and representativeness

The quality and representativeness of the available monitoring data are often inappropriate for the qualified risk assessment and priority settings.

Comparability of data

Improved harmonisation and inter-comparison of physical / chemical techniques, effect monitoring techniques (e.g. bioassays, etc.) and ecological monitoring techniques (community surveys) are needed. If not harmonised, these techniques do not allow the data to be compared world-wide, thereby creating problems for the interpretation of data by the different regulatory bodies.