May 1993

A Detailed study is reported which quantified the levels of priority contaminants in the River Alt catchment with the aim of determining their sources, fate and behaviour.

Data from three separate sampling surveys of the catchment are presented. Specific Red List determinand and broad spectrum GC-MS techniques were used to provide information on the range and concentration of the contaminants in the catchment. Atrazine and pentachlorophenol were confirmed as important Red List contaminants in the River Alt and its main tributaries but only low or undetectable levels of other Red List organics were present in the water and sediment samples collected during the three surveys.

The range and concentration of priority contaminants present in the River Alt were considered inadequate for the desired study and thus the contract objectives could not be fulfilled satisfactorily. A recommended framework for future studies on the sources, fate and behaviour of Red List contaminants in the field is included.

Copies of the report are available from FWR, price £15.00, less 20% to FWR Members.