July 2012. Urban rivers throughout England and Wales have improved dramatically in water quality and wildlife over the last 20 years. That's the conclusion of one the largest studies of national trends in river health ever undertaken.
Mayflies and stoneflies on the increaseAfter decades of pollution, typically from poorly treated sewage and industrial waste, rivers in or near Britain's major urban areas are regaining insects such as mayflies and stoneflies that are typical of fast-flowing, oxygen-rich waters. The range of invertebrates found has also increased, on average, by around 20%.
Industrial decline, tighter regulation and improved wastewater treatment
Researchers from Cardiff University's School of Biosciences carried out an independent analysis of data supplied by the Environment Agency using almost 50,000 samples from thousands of rural and urban locations. The team puts the general improvement down to industrial decline, tighter regulation and improved wastewater treatment over recent decades.
Researchers from Cardiff University's School of Biosciences carried out an independent analysis of data supplied by the Environment Agency using almost 50,000 samples from thousands of rural and urban locations. The team puts the general improvement down to industrial decline, tighter regulation and improved wastewater treatment over recent decades.
Drought is a danger
The recovery has not been universal, however. Rivers in some rural upland areas - such as Wales and parts of northern England - appeared to deteriorate slightly. The team is now investigating these trends further. Another important finding was that drought years reversed the recovery - at least temporarily.
The recovery has not been universal, however. Rivers in some rural upland areas - such as Wales and parts of northern England - appeared to deteriorate slightly. The team is now investigating these trends further. Another important finding was that drought years reversed the recovery - at least temporarily.
Dr Ian Vaughan, lead author of the study said: "These important results show how benefits to river biodiversity - the huge array of species that live in our rivers - have arisen from investment and long-term restoration intended largely for other ‘river ecosystem services' such as drinking water and sanitation."
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