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Chemical and physicochemical quality elements

The general chemical and physicochemical quality elements describe water quality and are considered as supporting elements to biological community. General chemical and physicochemical quality elements relevant for rivers and lakes are transitional and coastal waters are (i) transparency (not for rivers), (ii) thermal conditions, (iii) oxygenation conditions,  (iv) nutrient conditions and (v) acidifying substances (for rivers and lakes only). At high ecological status, the condition of each element must be within the range of conditions normally associated with undisturbed conditions. At good ecological status, the Directive requires that the general physicochemical quality elements comply with standards established by the Member State to protect the functioning of the ecosystem and the achievement of the values specified for the biological quality elements at good status.