Key capabilities

Our research for safeguarding freshwater quality covers: predicting, monitoring and modelling nutrients and algae; monitoring and understanding microplastics; monitoring and modelling emerging contaminants; and monitoring and understanding pathogens and organic pollutants.

Industrialisation, population growth, climate change and land use change are increasing the burden of pollutants on freshwaters. These pollutants can affect freshwater ecosystems and present a danger to human health. UKCEH’s monitoring and modelling work underpins interventions to reduce the impact of pollutants on water quality. Our science in this area focuses on nutrients, algae, microplastics, pathogens, emerging contaminants and organic pollutants.