The pollution situation of the Elbe with inorganic and organic pollutants has improved significantly, especially in the 1990s. Nevertheless, the remaining pollutant load in the Elbe sediments still poses a significant challenge.
There are still restrictions on the consumption of fish, milk and meat products in some areas, as well as feed pollution in the floodplains. The pollutant load of the Elbe continues to contribute to the pollution of the North Sea and thus affects aspects of marine environmental protection.
