Key Facts about: Inland Water Quality and Use
Phosphate concentrations in rivers: 1995-2005
United Kingdom
|
Percentage of river lengths with concentrations greater than 0.1 mgP/l |
||||
|
1995 |
2000 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
|
England |
56 |
60 |
58 |
58 |
|
Wales |
10 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
|
Scotland |
.. |
5 |
4 |
4 |
|
Northern Ireland |
25 |
27 |
23 |
23 |
Phosphorus and nitrogen are naturally found in water, and plants require these nutrients to grow. Elevated levels of phosphorus in water, from inputs from sewage works for example, can lead to eutrophication (excessive algal growth) in freshwater. Rivers with the highest concentrations are mainly in central and eastern England, reflecting the geology and higher population. In 2005, around 76 per cent of river lengths in Thames, Anglian and Midlands regions had average phosphate concentrations greater than the guideline value of 0.1 mgP/l. In England in 2005 the North East had the lowest phosphate levels with 39 per cent of the river lengths greater than the guideline value.
In Detail:
- Nutrients
- River Water Quality Database providing data on chemical and biological river water quality and nutrient concentrations for each Government Office Region and Local Authority in England and Wales
Further Information:
- Source:
- Environment Agency, SEPA, Environment and Heritage Service
- Press Release:
- River Water Quality framework indicator for Sustainable Development: 2005, 17 August 2006 (384/05)
- Key Facts:
- Chemical river water quality
- Biological river water quality
- Phosphate concentrations in rivers
- Water pollution incidents
Data Tables:
Download Chart Data: Microsoft Excel
Your questions and comments about information presented on this page are welcome. Contact information and Email . Copyright of data and/or information presented or attached in this document may not reside solely with this Department. Please see guidance on Copyright.
Page last modified: 17 August 2006
Page published: 17 August 2006