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Biodiversity in England's rivers found to have improved as metal pollution reduced

The article from MSN discusses a study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) which found that biodiversity in England's rivers has improved due to a significant reduction in metal pollution over the past three decades. The research, published in the journal *Science of the Total Environment*, indicates that levels of metals like copper, zinc, and lead in river water have decreased by 60% to 90% since the 1980s. This decline in metal concentrations has led to an increase in the diversity of aquatic insects, which are crucial indicators of river health. The improvement is attributed to better pollution control measures, including the regulation of industrial discharges and the phasing out of leaded petrol. However, the study also notes that while metal pollution has decreased, other pollutants like pharmaceuticals and pesticides are still a concern, suggesting that while progress has been made, ongoing efforts are needed to maintain and further enhance river health.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/biodiversity-in-england-s-rivers-found-to-have-improved-as-metal-pollution-reduced/ar-AA1zj5kr ]