Climate change and the effect of temperature rises and altered flow regimes are currently the focus of major political, economic and academic debate. However, streams and rivers in many temperate regions have already been subjected to rises in temperature and variations in flow as a result of the operation of both thermal (coal, oil, gas and nuclear) and hydro-electric power stations for more than 100 years. Instead of the 2-3°C rises predicted for global warming in streams, power generation may produce temperature increases of up to 8-10°C over long reaches.

This project uses archival and unpublished data from the past 50 years to assess the impact of thermal discharges on the species diversity, community structure and phenology of benthic macro invertebrates. The research provides a proxy for the potential future impacts of increases in river water temperature, predicted under climate change. It aims to use the results to identify and better prioritise areas for research and provide mitigation methods if and where necessary.

The research is funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

Publications:

Worthington, T.A., Shaw, P.S. Daffern, J.R. & Langford, T.E.L. (2015). The effects of a thermal discharge on the macroinvertebrate community of a large British river: implications for climate change. Hydrobiologia 753: 81-95.

People:

Dr. Tom Worthington

Prof. Terry Langford