Zinc is one of our most common and most occurring metals. The metal is very useful and is used to prevent corrosion. Zinc is toxic for water living organisms when it occurs in concentrations over 20 μg/l. The metal affects the aquatic organism’s reproduction, survival and growth negatively. It is especially young individuals and embryos who will be affected by enhanced concentrations of zinc. The toxicity for zinc is determined by its bioavailability and is affected by its metal form, pH, redox ratio, DOC etc.

The largest emissions of zinc occur to water followed by emissions to air. Within both categories diffuse emission is most dominated. The biggest zinc emission source is leakages from wooded ground followed by atmospheric deposition on the water surface. Industries is the greatest point source. The leakage from wooded ground is derived from atmospheric deposition of zinc.

This report has chosen to focus and examine three types of human activities who causes zinc emissions. The activities which has been chosen for more extensive studies are artificial turfs with rubber granulates, traffic related emissions and emissions from goods. The traffic causes zinc emissions around the roads and the pollutant is usually not spread far from the road. Locally high levels of zinc along the roadside can therefore occur. Galvanized goods are believed to be a major secondary emission source even in places other than the traffic environment.

Negative effects on aquatic or soil environment due to enhanced concentrations of zinc in Sweden is considered low. Generally, the chemical status in surface water in watercourses are good. Despite this, the risk of environment impact due to zinc should not be underestimated. Zinc have been accumulated in the soil for a long time. If the soil or sediments characteristics changes it could lead to devastating effects on nearby recipients.