Tackling diffuse pollution

Why?

Diffuse pollution contributes to eutrophication and microbial contamination of Scotland’s surface and groundwater bodies.

A significant proportion of these water bodies may not meet Good Ecological Status as required by the EU Water Framework Directive unless we can reduce the impact of diffuse pollution.

We will:

• Assess different sources of pollution in Monitored Priority Catchments (3MB Word doc) (Lunan Water and Cessnock Water)
• Measure the efficacy of measures to control pollution and eutrophication (eg. buffer strips, septic tank filters, farm ponds, nutrient budgets, and precision farming). 3.5MB pdf Pond poster and link to SEPA.
• Undertake a cost-effectiveness analysis of measures.
  Assessment of viability and uptake of measures with farmers and other land users (1MB pdf journal article)

Outcomes

• Improved understanding of pollutant emissions from different land uses and community activities
  • 2007/08 report of the Lunan project (23MB Word doc)
  • 2008/09 report of the Lunan project (2MB pdf)
  • Water Research article: Faecal indicator pollution from a dairy farm in Ayrshire, Scotland: Source apportionment, risk assessment and potential of mitigation measures
• Tools for predicting the impact of diffuse pollution, climate change and health risks
  • Journal of Environmental Management article: A framework for valuing the health benefits of improved bathing water quality in the River Irvine catchment
  • Microbial pollution of water by livestock: approaches to risk assessment and mitigation (1MB Word doc)
• Evaluation of different catchment approaches to diffuse pollution mitigation
  • Assessment of catchment scale efficacy of diffuse pollution mitigation using turbidity probes: a cost-effective approach to monitoring in priority catchments? (760 KB pdf)
  • Cost-effective targeting of buffer strips for phosphorus mitigation in Lunan catchment:  the case of Rescobie Loch (560 KB pdf)
  • Delivering good status in Scotland:  estimation of the non-market benefits of the Water Framework Directive (850 KB pdf)
  • Managing stream riparian areas for multiple environmental benefits:  the role of buffer strips (1 MB pdf)

• Guidance on the influence of local knowledge and socio-cultural practices on the uptake of mitigation measures
  • 340Kb pdf Good practice guide

Contact

Dr. Andy Vinten