Menu
19/10/2006
Report claims 'nutrient pollution' is harming environment
The countryside is being damaged by increased 'nutrient pollution' according to a new report by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
The report, released today, reveals that levels of nitrogen in the countryside have doubled since the industrial revolution, while levels of phosphorus have increased three-fold.
The elements nitrogen and phosphorus are essential for plant growth, and the agricultural sector is a major user of these nutrients, with fertilisers accounting for 60% of the nitrogen used, and about 80% of all mined phosphate. Phosphorus is also used as a nutrient in animal feed, while phosphates are an ingredient in many detergents, and along with nitrates, can often enter the water chain via sewage treatment works.
The report describes how nutrient pollution affects the environment in a variety of ways, accelerating plant growth and altering the structure of ecosystems, in turn leading to a decline in the number of existing species of flora and fauna. Among the birds the RSPB lists as having been pushed to the edge of extinction by the process are the corncrake and the red-backed shrike.
The report added: "Farmland covers 75% of the UK and therefore exerts a great influence on its landscapes and resident wildlife. Strong causal links exist, in a number of cases, between nutrient pollution and knock-on effects on the food chain of wildlife, including birds.
"Damaging pollution of the countryside will continue unless action is taken to reduce the amount of inorganic nutrients reaching the environment from all sources."
(CL/CD)
The report, released today, reveals that levels of nitrogen in the countryside have doubled since the industrial revolution, while levels of phosphorus have increased three-fold.
The elements nitrogen and phosphorus are essential for plant growth, and the agricultural sector is a major user of these nutrients, with fertilisers accounting for 60% of the nitrogen used, and about 80% of all mined phosphate. Phosphorus is also used as a nutrient in animal feed, while phosphates are an ingredient in many detergents, and along with nitrates, can often enter the water chain via sewage treatment works.
The report describes how nutrient pollution affects the environment in a variety of ways, accelerating plant growth and altering the structure of ecosystems, in turn leading to a decline in the number of existing species of flora and fauna. Among the birds the RSPB lists as having been pushed to the edge of extinction by the process are the corncrake and the red-backed shrike.
The report added: "Farmland covers 75% of the UK and therefore exerts a great influence on its landscapes and resident wildlife. Strong causal links exist, in a number of cases, between nutrient pollution and knock-on effects on the food chain of wildlife, including birds.
"Damaging pollution of the countryside will continue unless action is taken to reduce the amount of inorganic nutrients reaching the environment from all sources."
(CL/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 July 2003
Foods company to help fight obesity
In response to rising obesity rates around the world, Kraft Foods Inc. said today it will initiate a new series of steps to further strengthen the alignment of its products and marketing practices with societal needs. “The rise in obesity is a complex public health challenge of global proportions,” said Betsy D. Holden, Co-CEO of Kraft Foods.
Foods company to help fight obesity
In response to rising obesity rates around the world, Kraft Foods Inc. said today it will initiate a new series of steps to further strengthen the alignment of its products and marketing practices with societal needs. “The rise in obesity is a complex public health challenge of global proportions,” said Betsy D. Holden, Co-CEO of Kraft Foods.
13 September 2007
Fire At Former Birds Eye Factory In Grimsby
A major fire at a former Birds Eye factory in Grimsby has been successfully tackled by firefighters. Around 80 firefighters tackled the blaze at the disused factory, which broke out shortly after 7pm on Wednesday.
Fire At Former Birds Eye Factory In Grimsby
A major fire at a former Birds Eye factory in Grimsby has been successfully tackled by firefighters. Around 80 firefighters tackled the blaze at the disused factory, which broke out shortly after 7pm on Wednesday.
02 April 2007
No charges over bird flu outbreak
Bernard Matthews will not face charges over the outbreak of bird flu at one of its plants, the Food Standards Agency has announced. Following an investigation, the FSA said that there was no evidence that food waste at the site in Holton, Suffolk, had been stored inappropriately.
No charges over bird flu outbreak
Bernard Matthews will not face charges over the outbreak of bird flu at one of its plants, the Food Standards Agency has announced. Following an investigation, the FSA said that there was no evidence that food waste at the site in Holton, Suffolk, had been stored inappropriately.
29 November 2012
Scottish Birds Of Prey Still Threatened
Scotland’s birds of prey continue to be threatened by illegal killing, according to a report by RSPB Scotland. Illegal shooting, trapping, nest destruction and poisoning were highlighted in the latest report, covering 2011.
Scottish Birds Of Prey Still Threatened
Scotland’s birds of prey continue to be threatened by illegal killing, according to a report by RSPB Scotland. Illegal shooting, trapping, nest destruction and poisoning were highlighted in the latest report, covering 2011.
09 August 2011
Hull Council 'Failed To Protect Children'
Hull City Council has been strongly criticised for failing to tackle concerns about the safety of a brother and sister, which could have had "very serious consequences", a report said.
Hull Council 'Failed To Protect Children'
Hull City Council has been strongly criticised for failing to tackle concerns about the safety of a brother and sister, which could have had "very serious consequences", a report said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
