Abstract
The macroinvertebrate benthos of the River Irwell is impoverished to an extent that cannot be explained solely in terms of organic pollution. Relatively high dissolved oxygen levels are maintained as a result of turbulence. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry reveals substrate-bound levels of lead, copper and zinc higher than those recorded for an unpolluted river over almost the entire length of the Irwell, and at some sites the contamination is particularly severe. Concentrations in water are very low and it appears that high pH (about 7) leads to rapid precipitation of the discharged metals to substrate materials. The relationships between levels of the metals in substrate materials and in the tissues of Asellus aquaticus L. and Erpobdella octoculata (L.) have been investigated.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
