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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

Start Date

28/02/2006

Initial Projected Completion Date

28/03/2010