In order to create a tool that allows the estimation of recent pollution
sources in the catchment area, four discharge-related flood
investigations with focus on metals were performed between
1995 and 2006 at a sampling site in the Middle Elbe. Special attention
was given to the event in 2006. The aim of this investigation
was to show that a flood wave is characterized by an internal water
quality structure. This structure is formed by the appearance of
maximum values of water quality parameters at different times
during the flood and can be compared from event to event.