Sean Meyrick

S216 Environmental Science, Open University, 2005

Aquatic macroinvertebrates as an indicator of water quality after an incident of organic pollution in the Bourne Stream, Dorset

Sean received an assignment mark of 91% for his paper

Abstract

Freshwater macroinvertebrates are defined as animals without backbones that are visible to the naked eye. They are ideal indicators of long-term water quality due to their relative longevity and long term residence in the stream.

This project analyses pollution tolerances of invertebrates to assess the environmental impact of organic runoff from a road bridge.  The reach the Branksome Wood Road Grid reference SZ068921 and Prince of Wales Road Grid reference SZ073917 is analysed.  At both sites the potential for rapid and sustained runoff is increased due to the steep nature of the topography where the roads run up and down the valley, either side of the stream. 

Contact the author: seanmeyrick@btinternet.com