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Project Code [2005-W-MS-39-M1]
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Project title
The impact of plant nutrients on primary productivity in running waters: evaluating the risk to stream health
Primary Funding Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
University College Cork (UCC)
Lead Applicant
Simon Harrison
Project Abstract
The excessive inputs of agricultural- and municipal-derived plant nutrients are the main threat to surface water quality in Ireland and much of Western Europe. Compared to lakes our understanding of the ecological effects of such nutrients in streams and rivers is weak due to the greater environmental complexity of these habitats. The aims of this study were to investigate therelationships between plant nutrients benthic algae and macroinvertebrate grazers in running waters and to identify the main factors that affected these relationships. The study was conducted in streams in south west Ireland and consisted of a escriptive phase on the standing stock of benthic algae and invertebrates in streams across nutrient and riparian shade gradients and asecond experimental phase where we tested the roles of the various factors that drive the growth of benthic algae in a single nutrient-impacted tributary of the River Lee in County Cork.
Grant Approved
�330,424.80
Research Hub
Natural Environment
Research Theme
Improve our Knowledge on the State of our Water Resources and Pressures
Initial Projected Completion Date
28/03/2010