Title: Determining The Causes Of 'Apparent Eutrophication' Effects
Author: J Hilton
Author: G P Irons
Author: Environment Agency
Document Type: Monograph
Annotation: Environment Agency Project ID:EAPRJOUT_423, Representation ID: 122, Object ID: 1762
Abstract:
When the symptoms of eutrophication are observed in a river the common assumption is that excess nutrients from sewage treatment works upstream are the cause and that the appropriate response is to remove phosphorus from the effluent. However there are many other causes which can result in the changes to aquatic systems which resemble the effects of eutrophication. The possibility that one of these effects is a cause needs to be considered, and discounted, at an early stage, before proceeding to consider P control from point or diffuse sources. In this document the factors which control plant growth have been listed. On the basis of these factors and following. wide consultation amongst agency staff, a list of potential causes of eutrophic effects has been derived. A simple checklist scheme is proposed to assess the likelihood that any of these alternative causes may be driving the observed effects. Since, at this stage, the effects have not been confirmed as eutrophication; i.e. excessive growth of aquatic plants due to the presence of excess nutrients introduced from anthropogenic sources. This stage has been termed ”Apparent Eutrophication”. It is recommended that the ease of use and completeness of the list of potential causes of effects be assessed regularly.
Publisher: Environment Agency
Subject Keywords: Rivers; Eutrophication; Phosphorus; Freshwater ecology
Extent: 32
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:4456
Total file downloads: 313
Download PDF Display PDF in separate tab
