Resources
Phytoplankton form the base of many food webs in lakes. This method uses the principle that an increase in nutrients (particularly phosphorus) leads to an increase in phytoplankton biomass and a change in the taxonomic composition, often leading to an increased occurrence of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).
Dogwhelks are a good indicator of the contamination of the hazardous substance called tributyltin (TBT) which used to be used in anti-fouling paints on the hulls of large ships.
Saltmarshes hold great ecological value due to their range of associated plants and animals. The diversity of flora and fauna reflects the interactions between the marine and terrestrial environment.
Phytoplankton utilise sunlight energy and dissolved nutrients converting these into organic materials which are often consumed by higher life forms such as fish.
Macroalgae are good indicators of general pressures including, toxic substances and disturbance. They are ideally suited to monitoring as many are large, widespread and relatively easily identified.
Phytoplankton utilise sunlight energy and dissolved nutrients converting these into organic materials which are often consumed by higher life forms such as fish.
Opportunistic macroalgae are able to utilise excess nitrogen in the environment and outcompete other seaweed species. They are easy to identify and sample so are good for monitoring the effects of nutrient enrichment.
This method has been designed primarily to detect the impact of toxic substances on the distribution of certain species of macroalgae (seaweeds belonging to the group known as 'wracks', and principally members of the genus 'Fucus''). This method monitors the upstream limit of t
Benthic invertebrate communities are good indicators of organic pollution and are also sensitive to toxic pollutants. They are ideally suited to biological monitoring as they are sedentary and either feed upon sediment dwelling animals or the sediment .