Site Characterisation of European Marine Sites: The Mersey

2,35

MB

Estuary SPA

201

stron

3866

ID

Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

2007

rok

CONTENTS

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.iii

2. INTRODUCTION

3. REFERENCE LISTS AND SOURCES OF INFORMATION.

4. THE SITE: FEATURES AND THREATS.

5. STUDIES ON BIOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES.

6. TRENDS IN WATER AND SEDIMENT QUALITY.

6.1 Toxic contaminants.

6.1.1 Metals.

6.1.2 TBT

6.1.3 Pesticides and herbicides

6.1.4 PCBs.

6.1.5 Alkylphenols and other endocrine disruptors.

6.1.6 Hydrocarbons (Oil, Petrochemicals, PAHs) and VOCs.

6.2 Non-Toxic Contaminants

6.2.1 Nutrients.

6.2.2 Microalgae -Chlorophyll

6.2.3 Dissolved Oxygen.

6.2.4 Turbidity and Suspended Solids.

7. BIOLOGICAL IMPACTS

7.1 Bioaccumulation.

7.1.1 Metals in biota

7.2 Biological Effects

7.2.1 Biomarkers.

7.2.2 Bioassays

7.2.3 Ecological indices and general site condition.

8. MODELS.

9. CONCLUDING REMARKS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

9.1 Biological Status.

9.2 Chemical Status.

9.3 Future Research Requirements

10. BIBLIOGRAPHY.

11. ANNEXES

Annex 1. Summary of the interest features and conservation objectives

Annex 2. Water Quality Standards.

Annex 3. Quality Standards Stipulated In The Shellfish Waters Directive

Annex 4. Bathing Waters Quality Standards

Annex 5. Sediment Quality Guidelines

Annex 6. Examples of Recommended Biological Monitoring Techniques

Annex 7. EA current priority discharges for assessment