Table 1.

Summary of the superior limit concentrations (μg/L) of metallic elements, recommended or statutory in fresh water.

	Surface water (good chemical status)			Drinking water
	WFD [2] AA-EQS	INERIS** PNEC	SEQ-Eau [32]	Order in Council 2001-1220 [33]	SEQ Underground water
Cd	0.08–0.25	0.21	0.001	5	1
Hg	0.05	0.24	0.007	1	0.5
Ni	20	0.5	0.25	20	10
Pb	7.2	5	0.21	10	5

^*AA-EQS: Environmental quality standards expressed as an annual average value;

^**INERIS values are PNEC (Previsible Non Effect Concentration) from the following reports: Cd [29]; Hg [30]; Ni [31]; Pb [32]. SEQ-Eau: Système d’Evaluation de la Qualité de l’eau (water quality evaluation system) developed by the French Water Agencies.