Pollution of managed realignment: sediment geochemistry at Orplands and Tollesbury, Essex, UK
This project measured levels of pollutants at two managed retreat sites to establish whether geochemical tests should be used as part of the process of choosing suitable sites.
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Details
This project investigated pollution levels in the sediment at two managed retreat sites on the Blackwater Estuary in Essex. Managed retreat means that land that was previously defended from the sea is allowed to flood again to create saltmarshes. Saltmarshes are important habitats, as well as helping to protect the rest of the coastline from flooding.
Background
Earlier studies of saltmarsh sediments in the Blackwater Estuary carried out by Imperial College found a wide range of contaminants. Although they were not at pollution levels, it was clear that some of the contaminants had not come from the local area. They were therefore transported there either through the air or the water. This might be a concern when trying to establish a healthy saltmarsh ecosystem.
Outcome
Results from this work will help make decisions about how to use land where there might be contamination, especially if it might interact with sea water.
These investigations showed that it’s important to carry out a geochemical appraisal of managed retreat sites as part of the process of choosing a site.
The project started in 1995 and was completed in 1997.