How reducing metal pollution boosts biodiversity in English waterways
It stands to reason—when pollution decreases, ecosystems have a chance to recover. Now, scientific research has confirmed this link, showing that reductions in metal contamination in English rivers have led to a notable increase in biodiversity, particularly among macroinvertebrates. A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that as industrial pollution declined, freshwater habitats saw a resurgence in species diversity.
A team of researchers from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) analyzed over 65,000 data points from 1,457 sites spanning nearly three decades (1989-2018). Their findings reveal a direct correlation between decreased levels of heavy metals like zinc and copper and an increase in species richness. The study, which used data from the UK Environmental Agency, suggests that cleaner waterways are giving invertebrates a fresh start.
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