An investigation into the temporal and spatial patterns of phosphorus concentrations across the ditch systems of Kings Sedgemoor and Moorlinch SSSIs

This proposed project is to undertake a programme of strategic sampling to assess P concentrations and evidence of nutrient enrichment, to answer the following questions:

• What is the state of compliance with the total phosphorus target across the SSSI, and what is the temporal and spatial variation of this?

• How quickly do total phosphate levels decline as water from the feeder river (King Sedgemoor Drain) flows through the system? Is this decline at the expense of the biological quality of the ditch communities?

• Are there any other significant inputs of phosphorus to the system (eg. contamination of smaller water courses feeding the site; localised diffuse or small discharges)

• How does site management (eg. penning for Raised Water Level Areas and ditch maintenance) affect phosphorus concentrations?

• A comparison of orthophosphate as P and total phosphorus in line with Environment Agency methodologies

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