Title: Identification of water quality problems in the Strat and Neet catchments
Author: J.A. Proctor
Document Type: Monograph
Annotation: EA additional title info: environmental protection report
Abstract:
This study was undertaken to determine the causes of non-compliance with the designated River Quality Objectives's (RQO) within the Strat and Neet catchments. Although the river system has a RQO of IB the 1989 NWC classification showed the catchment to contain stretches of classes 3 and 4. A desk study examined routine water quality data, farm campaign data and pollution risk assessments of industry to identify potential causes of water quality problems. A 24 hour water quality survey and a biological investigation augmented the desk study approach. Diurnal water quality patterns resulting from the photosynthetic activity of planktonic and benthic algae have led to non-compliance with the IB RQO's during the summer months. High nutrient loadings from the catchments together with high temperatures and low flows, exacerbated by the 1989 and 1990 droughts, have enabled large algal biomasses to develop in the lower catchment. Theoretical calculations revealed that the majority of this nutrient load is agricultural in origin.
Publisher: National Rivers Authority
Publication Date: 1991
Publication Place: Exeter
Subject Keywords: Rivers; River Quality Objectives; Compliance; Water quality surveys; Biological analysis
Geographic Keywords: EA South West; Strat; Neet (Cornwall); North Cornwall, Seaton, Looe and Fowey catchment; Cornwall
Extent: 12; + appendices
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:2564
Total file downloads: 56
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