TNMN

The TransNational Monitoring Network is an important tool under the DRPC, whose Contracting Parties are committed to co-operate in the field of monitoring and assessment. Formally launched in 1996, it aims to provide a well-balanced overall view of pollution and long-term trends in water quality and pollution loads in the major rivers in the Danube River Basin.

The TransNational Monitoring Network, in short “TNMN” was established to support the implementation of the Danube River Protection Convention in the field of monitoring and assessment. The TNMN was formally launched by the ICPDR in 1996, although the history of international monitoring of the Danube River is much longer.

The main objective of the TNMN is to provide a structured and well-balanced overall view of pollution and long-term trends in water quality and pollution loads in the major rivers in the Danube River Basin.

The TNMN utilises nationally assessed monitoring data and is based on the provisions of the DRPC, which requires:

Harmonising monitoring and assessment methods, particularly concerning water quality in rivers
Developing co-ordinated or joint monitoring systems applying stationary or mobile measurement devices, and shared communications and data processing facilities
Elaborating and implementing joint programmes for monitoring riverine conditions in the Danube catchment area, including flow rates, water quality, sediments and riverine ecosystems, as a basis for the assessment of transboundary impacts

In 2006, the TNMN is revised to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD).

The TNMN monitoring network is based on national surface water monitoring networks and includes 79 monitoring locations with up to three sampling points across the Danube and its main tributaries river. The minimum sampling frequency is 12 times per year for chemical determinands in water and twice a year for biological parameters.

An interim water quality classification scheme has been specially developed to evaluate the data collected by the TNMN.

The assessment of loads in the Danube contributes greatly to estimates of the influx of polluting substances to the Black Sea, and provides vital information to support policy development. A special load assessment programme was started in 2000, with pollution loads calculated for BOD5, inorganic nitrogen, ortho-phosphate-phosphorus, dissolved phosphorus, total phosphorus, suspended solids, and - on a discretionary basis – chlorides.

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