Water quality in the River Eden could be worse than previously thought, according to new university research.

A seven year study of the Cumbrian river by researcher Dr Maria Snell revealed a variation in micro-organism populations across the seasons.

The single-celled algae, called diatoms, feed on phosphorous. This is a substance often used as fertiliser but can seep into river water, polluting it.

Now following Dr Snell’s research, Lancaster University has published a new study concluding that pollution in UK rivers could be higher than first thought.

This is down to the fact micro-organisms are generally not monitored in the winter when pollution can be at its highest, throwing off the average.

Dr Snell, a former researcher at the Lancaster Environment Centre and lead author of the study, took measurements in three of the River Eden’s tributaries each month for seven years.

The study’s co-author, Dr Ben Surridge, explained further.

“Maria’s work shows that at some sites there was a dramatic variation in the diatom community across a year.

“River water quality could go through the full spectrum from high to bad status at different times of year.”