An evidence base for setting nutrient targets to protect river habitat (NERR034)

This document has been produced to underpin decisions about defining appropriate environmental targets to control adverse effects of enrichment by the major plant nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) on the characteristic flora and fauna of UK rivers. Whilst its primary aim is to underpin the review of UK Common Standards guidance on setting conservation objectives for rivers with special wildlife designations for their river habitat, the evidence contained within it is also relevant to the control of river eutrophication under the Water Framework Directive, Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive and the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.