Biomedical subjects

B J D'Arcy

Publications and source records attributed to B J D'Arcy.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

The restoration of Loch Leven, Scotland, UK.

This paper reviews the progress made towards the restoration of Loch Leven, the largest lake in lowland Scotland, over the last 20 years. In particular, the importance of direct regulation and of setting water quality objectives and targets is examined. Various means of engaging with stakeholders and the general public are also considered. Success criteria and catchment management initiatives are described and briefly reviewed.

Conservation of Natural Resources↗

PubMed2005

Urban diffuse sources of faecal indicators.

Increasing concern about bathing water quality in Scotland has led to renewed interest in diffuse sources, as well as the already closely monitored municipal sewage effluents and combined sewer overflows (CSOs) that have been the subject of multi-million pound capital expenditure schemes for several years. Early investigations of diffuse sources focused on rural land uses. This paper is an initial effort to consider the possible significance of urban diffuse sources. A review of the potential for diffuse urban sources includes consideration of sewage pollution in surface water sewers, as well as non-human sources such as pigeon and other bird roosts, and faecal material from pets such as dogs and cats. Portobello beach in Edinburgh is the case study selected, because of earlier work done by Scottish Water and SEPA. The Figgate Burn crosses Edinburgh to discharge onto the beach at Portabello, and pollution sources in its catchment are described. Additional information is reported from Dunfermline, where the sewer network has provided examples of three ways in which sewage pollution can occur in urban streams, and also Scottish examples of measures to control some non-human sources (e.g. SUDS).

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Persistent pollutants urban rivers sediment survey: implications for pollution control.

The impacts of diffuse urban sources of pollution on watercourses are quantified. A survey of nine urban streams in Scotland for persistent pollutants in stream sediments is described, together with sediments from SUDS ponds. Determinands reported are: PAHs, total hydrocarbons, and toxic metals (As, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cu, Cr, Cd). Results highlight hydrocarbons as a major urban pollutant, and show significant sediment contamination by toxic metals. The metals that occurred in the highest concentrations varied across the nine streams, but Pb, Cr, Ni, Zn and Cu most frequently present exceeded sediment quality standards. The pattern of contamination by PAHs suggested that pyrolytic sources were more ubiquitous and present in greater quantities than oil spill sources in these urban catchments. Exceptions were the sites below industrial estates. The findings indicate that four levels of activity will be needed to control urban diffuse sources of pollution: reductions in quantities of toxic pollutants used by manufacturers in the motor and construction industries; housekeeping measures to minimise storage and handling risks for oil and chemicals; public engagement to minimise polluting activities such as dumping oil and chemicals, and private car use; use of SUDS technology, including retro-fits in the worst affected urban areas.

Cities↗