A0696
Title: Unlocking insights into UK rivers using statistics and data analytics
Authors: Ruth ODonnell - University of Glasgow (United Kingdom) [presenting]
Marian Scott - University of Glasgow (United Kingdom)
Claire Miller - University of Glasgow (United Kingdom)
Ionut Paun - University of Glasgow (United Kingdom)
Abstract: In the world of continually expanding environmental data streams, it is essential to fully harness the power of these data in order to understand the current status and changing dynamics of our natural resources. The purpose is to discuss the current work on the MOT4 Rivers (NE/ NE/X01620X/1) project, which aims to explore how pollution and climate change impact freshwater ecosystems. To date, much of the understanding of the impact of pollutant exposures and changing conditions on the river ecosystems has been limited by viewing individual biological and chemical drivers in isolation and not considering their combined effects. The aim is to employ cutting-edge data analysis techniques to integrate a range of both environmental and ecological measurements and thus maximize the insights on the pressures faced by UK river systems. However, while data from routine monitoring for European and UK regulatory purposes are available at the national scale, include several thousands of sites, and have been observed for more than ten years, they are still sparse and misaligned spatially and temporally. This leads to an array of statistical challenges in exploring the changing status of the ecosystems.
