The Impact of Agricultural Activity on Nitrate Pollution Affecting UK River Systems – A Comparative Study between Commercial and Private Land-Use

Abstract

Water samples were taken over 5 month period from several sites in an effort to evaluate whether private agricultural sites release a disproportionally large amount of nitrates in comparison to a variety of commercial agricultural sites. This was done by taking samples of run-off water from the sites and then analysing them using ion chromatography. After statistical analysis it became clear that there was a significant difference between commercial and private agricultural nitrate concentrations of run-off water. The key findings of this research suggest that private sites do not follow the same fertilisation techniques employed by agricultural land managers and as a consequence, continue to emit nitrates through winter. This suggests that there is scope for more research into nitrate pollution from private sites (which is currently unregulated). This research also found potential for a public consultation process on best management practices in an effort to reduce nitrate pollution and decrease the amount of land classified as a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ).