This metric is intended to capture the amount of the organization's emissions of pollutants or contaminants into water sources, per million in revenue generated, during the reporting period.
Nitrates are chemicals that contain nitrogen and oxygen. In the context of agriculture and water quality, nitrates are often used as fertilizers to promote plant growth. However, excess nitrates can cause pollution in waterways and harm aquatic life. Examples of nitrates include: potassium nitrate (KNO3), sodium nitrate (NaNO3), and calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2).
Phosphates are chemical Composeds that contain phosphorus and oxygen. Like nitrates, phosphates are also commonly used as fertilizers in agriculture. However, excessive amounts of phosphates in water bodies can lead to eutrophication, a process that causes excessive plant growth and can harm aquatic ecosystems. Examples of phosphates include: diammonium phosphate (DAP) (NH4)2HPO4, monoammonium phosphate (MAP) NH4H2PO4, and trisodium phosphate (Na3PO4).
Pesticides are chemical substances used to control or eliminate pests, such as insects, weeds, and rodents, in agricultural and other settings. These substances can be toxic to a variety of organisms, including humans, wildlife, and beneficial insects. While pesticides can be effective in controlling pests, they can also have negative environmental and health impacts if not used properly. Examples of pesticides include: chlorpyrifos (an insecticide used in agriculture), glyphosate (a herbicide used to control weeds), and permethrin (an insecticide used to control ticks and other pests).
Priority substances are defined in Article 2(30) of Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, found here in Annex I pages 12-13: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:226:0001:0017:en:PDF.
Emissions include nitrates, phosphates, pesticides, and priority substances are defined in Article 2(30) of Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, found here: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:226:0001:0017:en:PDF.