The influence of sanitary and other social changes on the eutrophication of Lough Erne since 1850: Project introduction and a consideration of the potential role of metabolic wastes

Abstract

Recent limnological studies of Lough Erne have suggested that the lake is highly producdve(F.B.I.u.1975.Gibsonet a1. 1980) and that the present level of productivity ig a result of increasing nutrient inputs to the llike over the past lob years or so (ila't:tarbee; 1977). It is the purpose of this project. funded by S.S.R.C. grant HR 7437. to document the deinographic. dietary and sanitary changes in the catchment since 1850 and to evalua.te the relative importance of 'domestic metabolic waste as a source of nutrient supply. This report provides an introduction to the project and considers the methods involved in estimating the minimum phosphorus output from households in the catchment ror the period 1851 - 1971