Indicators of pollution in biodiversity monitoring data
- Changes in species abundance and distribution: Shifts in species populations or range patterns can signal pollution impacts, such as water contamination or habitat degradation. Monitoring these trends can help Eco-Rangers pinpoint pollution sources and prioritize management actions.
- Water quality measurements: Monitoring key water quality parameters, such as dissolved oxygen, pH, and nutrient concentrations, can provide valuable information on the presence and severity of pollution in aquatic ecosystems.
- Soil quality measurements: Soil sampling and analysis can reveal the presence of pollutants, such as heavy metals or agrochemical residues, which can affect plant health and the wider food web.
Spatial analysis and mapping of pollution sources
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications: GIS tools can help Eco-Rangers visualize and analyse spatial patterns of pollution, enabling them to locate potential sources and assess their impacts on ecosystems and species.
- Remote sensing techniques: Satellite imagery and aerial photography can provide insights into land use practices and environmental changes, which can help identify pollution sources and track their spread over time.
Identifying and prioritizing pollution sources
- Point sources vs. non-point sources: Differentiating between point sources (e.g., industrial discharge) and non-point sources (e.g., agricultural runoff) of pollution can inform targeted management actions to address specific threats.
- Assessing the severity of pollution impacts on ecosystems: Prioritizing pollution sources based on their potential impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem health can help allocate resources and guide management interventions.
Figure 6.7 – Examples of point source pollution (Wikipedia, n.d.).