UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology is a research center that is part of the pulse of the water sector. Here we bring together everything it publishes on Smart Water Magazine: its news, its blogs and the events it takes part in.
Biodiversity in England’s rivers improved as metal pollution reduced
An improvement in freshwater biodiversity in England’s rivers was linked to reductions in pollution of zinc and copper, largely due to the decline of coal burning and heavy industry, say researchers. Invertebrates are used as an important measure of a river’s biodiversity and health, and Environment Agency data show there was a widespread, significant increase […]
Frequency and duration of soil moisture droughts set to increase under climate change
A new study from UKCEH scientists shows that extreme soil moisture droughts in the UK – those lasting 90 days or more – are expected to occur more frequently under climate change. This could have severe implications for farming, water availability and food security. The research published in Environmental Research Letters reveals that while such […]
UK’s summer 2022 drought provides warning for future years, say scientists
The UK will be increasingly tested by more droughts like 2022, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for similar extreme weather in future, say scientists who have analyzed that summer's events. The study by the UK Center for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) outlines how the drought evolved and its impacts on water resources, wildlife and people, […]
New method measures levels of toxic tire particles in rivers
Scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) have developed a robust method for detecting whether a toxic chemical used in car tires is present in rivers, streams, and lakes and measuring its concentrations. Tire wear is one of the largest sources of microplastics in rivers, potentially posing a significant risk to wildlife […]
Looking beyond our borders would improve preparedness for extreme floods
Almost all extreme flooding across Europe could be anticipated by looking at previous major events in other similar parts of the continent, according to a new study. ‘Megafloods’, such those on the Rhine tributaries in Germany in 2021, are extreme events that vastly exceed those previously experienced in each location, causing significant damage and deaths. But […]
Invertebrate biodiversity is improving in England’s rivers, long-term trends show
Rivers across England have seen a significant improvement in river invertebrate biodiversity since 1989, shows a study led by UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) researchers. The study, which involved one of the largest and most wide-ranging analyses of long-term monitoring data in the world – spanning over 30 years, found improvements in […]
World Water Quality Alliance calls for urgent action on world’s damaged lakes
Scientists are calling for a raft of urgent measures – including a dedicated Global Green Finance Fund – to help restore degraded freshwater lakes, at the UN 2023 Water Conference in New York. The call forms part of a White Paper produced by the World Water Quality Alliance (WWQA), which is convened by the United […]
Report: Solutions to global phosphorus crisis that threatens food and water security
Phosphorus is an essential but often overlooked resource, which is vital for life on Earth and is extracted from phosphate rock for use in crop fertilizers, livestock feeds and food additives. A major new report by scientists warns that global mismanagement of this finite nutrient is causing twin crises, brought into sharp focus with fertilizer […]
Climate change is affecting Scotland’s lochs and reservoirs
New research by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) has shown climate change is already causing a rapid and extensive warming of Scotland’s lochs and reservoirs. The report produced for CREW, Scotland’s Centre of Expertise for Waters, warns that the risks to water quality and biodiversity are expected to increase with projected higher air and […]