Rivers - Invertebrates (Acidification)

Benthic invertebrate communities are good indicators of acidification which is caused by acidic pollution from precipitation and acids leaching from the surrounding soils.  They are easily suited to biological monitoring as they are common, widespread and easily sampled.  This method is based on the principle that different benthic invertebrates have different tolerances to acidification.

The method statement published in 2009 for the first river basin planning cycle, and its associated summary, have now been updated for the second cycle, linked below.

A report detailing the development of a typology and class boundaries is provided as background information. 

Publication Date: 
10-July-2014
Advisory Group: 
UKTAG