Safeguarding Europe’s Waters from EDCs: The Role of GREENER

The state of Europe’s waters

Freshwater is one of Europe’s most precious resources – yet the overall picture remains challenging. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), only 37% of rivers, lakes, transitional and coastal waters are in at least “good” ecological status, and just 29% meet “good” chemical status. Groundwater performs better, with 77% in good chemical status and 91% in good quantitative status.

These figures reveal that pressures such as pollution, over-abstraction and climate change continue to affect water bodies across the continent. Every year, around 20% of Europe’s territory and 30% of its population experience water stress.

The map below (Image 1) illustrates the percentage of water bodies not in good ecological status across EU countries and river basin districts, highlighting strong differences between regions.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs): invisible threats in water

Among the many pollutants affecting European waters, endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are of particular concern. These substances interfere with hormonal systems in humans and wildlife, causing reproductive, developmental, metabolic and neurological disorders.

Although they are present in everyday products, their impact is felt in the water cycle:

• Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (such as contraceptives, cosmetics or detergents) enter sewage systems after use. Wastewater treatment plants cannot fully remove them, so residues reach rivers and lakes.

• Industrial chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and nonylphenol are released during production processes or leach out as products degrade, eventually flowing into water bodies.

• Pesticides and herbicides applied in agriculture are transported by rainfall and irrigation runoff, contaminating both surface water and groundwater.

Once in the aquatic environment, these chemicals can persist at very low concentrations, yet still disrupt ecosystems and compromise water quality, making their monitoring and removal a pressing challenge.

How is the European Union responding?

The EU has taken several important steps to reduce the impact of EDCs on the water cycle:

• Drinking Water Directive (2020/2184): introduces a watch list including 17-β-estradiol (E2) and nonylphenol, with strict monitoring values of 1 ng/L and 300 ng/L, respectively.

• Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (recast 2023): requires the introduction of advanced treatment (quaternary treatment) to remove micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Importantly, an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme will make producers cover at least 80% of the additional costs.

• Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC, update proposal 2022): expands the list of priority substances and environmental quality standards.

• Chemicals legislation (CLP/REACH): in 2023, the EU introduced new hazard classes for endocrine disruptors, creating the basis for future restrictions.

Financially, the EU is mobilising substantial resources through programmes such as Horizon Europe (2021–2027) with a budget of €95.5 billion, where water protection and pollution reduction are among the key priorities. Complementary funding comes from the LIFE programme and the Cohesion Funds, supporting projects at local and regional levels.

Where GREENER comes in

The GREENER project (2023–2025) contributes directly to this European effort by developing a compact, low-noise spectrometer based on sustainable quantum dots and DNA origami structures, integrated with artificial intelligence. This innovation aims to detect endocrine disruptors and other emerging contaminants in water at ultra-low concentrations in real time.

By offering a portable and cost-effective solution, GREENER can support water monitoring in aquaculture, fisheries, and drinking water supply, while also serving as a valuable early-warning system for pollutants. In doing so, the project strengthens the implementation of EU legislation and contributes to safeguarding both ecosystems and public health.