Concentrations of key pollutants in wastewater, by type of pollutant
Unit
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The unit(s) of measurement applicable to the metric.
: Milligrams per liter (mg/l), Micrograms per liter (ug/l)
Indicator
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Indicators were developed by WBCSD. Learn more on the Methodology page.
: Pollutants released to environment
Metric type
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The category of nature-related metrics. Learn more on the Methodology page.
: Pressure
Framework alignment notes
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The details of a metric’s alignment to each framework, including where the same or similar metric can be found within the listed framework.
GBF Target 7
UN - FCCC: This metric is partially aligned with the requirements of the framework.
TNFD C2.1
SBTN: This metric is aligned with the requirements of the framework.
CDP - This metric is partially aligned with the requirements of the framework.
Regen Ag outcome: Minimize water pollution
Target example
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An example target and the target source are presented to illustrate how a target could be set for this metric. Learn more on the Methodology page.
[Company name] will reduce the concentration of [pollutant type] in wastewater by [target amount, kg or percentage] by [target year], compared to a [baseline year] baseline.
Target source: WBCSD target template
Sector
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Each metric applies to one sector.
Agri-food
Value chain stage
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Each metric applies to one or more stages of the value chain aligned with the associated actions.
Raw MaterialsManufacturingDistribution
Metric assessment
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The relevance and feasibility scores were determined by WBCSD member companies. Learn more on the Methodology page.
Relevance:High
Feasibility:High
Additional Metric Notes
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More details or context about the metric not captured above.
Rationale:
Understanding the pollutant content of wastewater discharged is important, as these pollutants can exert significant pressure on freshwater and saltwater systems.
TNFD sector guidance: For non-point sources, use the water pollutant loading rate, including locally developed model results for pollutants from non-point sources, based on average nutrient loads over the past five years of operations. Where feasible, nutrient loss at the edge of the field or loading of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) can be more accurate measures of environmental pressure compared to nutrient use efficiency (NUE). However, methods for measurement and attribution are not widely standardized, with ongoing developments.
Additional/complementary metrics:
Breakdown by: nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus); Pesticides; Organic loading (including crop and livestock excreta); Pathogens; Metals; and Other and emerging pollutants (including antimicrobials and other veterinary medicines).
Related actions
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The other actions that the metric is mapped to.
Support and incentivize regenerative agriculture and sustainable intensification outcomes at sourcing locations
Reduce GHG emissions from operations and land use activities
Reduce GHG emissions from transportation and distribution
Prevent pollution and contamination from processing and food manufacturing
Implement precision technology and practices to optimize agri-inputs and drive sustainable intensification
Implement precision technology and practices to optimize water use, particularly in water-stressed areas
Implement precision technology and practices to optimize water use, particularly in water-stressed areas, in resource extraction and production processes
Develop and deploy inputs and technology to drive sustainable intensification and regenerative agriculture outcomes
Develop and implement practices to drive regenerative agriculture