Biological surveillance of chalk-streams

An article reviewing the methods of biological surveillance of chalk-streams developed and commonly used at that time, with a focus on their application to the River Frome catchment in Dorset. In evaluating the surveillance methods, the author looks at sampling methods (including cores and kick-sampling), the level of identification of macroinvertebrates, and temporal and spatial variations. Responses of indices to organic pollution are also discussed. A number of accompanying figures are also included.

Biological report - fish mortality, River Conder, 21.7.79

Following a large scale fish mortality caused by a considerable spillage of a pentachlbrophenol-based disinfectant from a mushroom farm, a biological survey of the river Conder was undertaken on 23.7.79. A spillage of this same make of disinfectant from this mushroom farm in February 1976 caused a similar large scale fish mortality. On that occasion, the pollution appeared to have little effect on the benthic invertebrates of the river Conder, with no dead organisms found, although the small beck which received the spillage was quite badly affected. This recent spillage of disinfectant involved a considerably greater volume (approximately 900 gallons) than the 1976 discharge and so this report looks at whether invertebrate fauna of the main river were affected on this occasion. Kick samples were taken at a number of sites in the river Conder from the confluence with the polluted beck to Conder Green. A control sample was also taken upstream of the confluence with the polluted beck. All samples were examined on site and live and dead invertebrates noted and identified as accurately as possible.

Intensive biological survey of the Glaze Brook catchment May 1981

This is the Intensive biological survey of the Glaze Brook catchment May 1981 report produced by the North West Water Authority in 1981. The aim of this report is to identify those pollution problems not identified during the routine biological water quality surveys, and to check the suitability of the routine biological sampling point. This report looks at an intensive biological water quality survey of the Glaze Brook catchment which was carried out by Biol. (S) on 13th-15th May, 1981. Kick samples of invertebrates were taken at 5 sites and all invertebrates were identified and counted in the field. The most significant water quality observations in the report were from: Borsdane brook, Pennington brook, Glaze brook, Amberswood brook, Cunningham brook, Old Mill brook, Shakerley brook, Astley brook and Shaw brook.