9 sites (Walton-on-the-Naze, Reculver, Whitstable, Beaulieu, Milford Haven, Inland Sea and Tal-y-foel (Anglesey), Conwy, Connel) on the UK coastline

Bacteria in biota; Bacteria taxonomic abundance in water bodies; Particulate inorganic carbon concentrations in the water column; Particulate total and organic carbon concentrations in the water column; Dissolved organic carbon concentration in the water column; Nitrate concentration parameters in the water column; Phytoplankton taxonomic abundance in water bodies; Phosphate concentration parameters in the water column; Salinity of the water column; Temperature of the water column; Nitrite concentration parameters in the water column; Alkalinity, acidity and pH of the water column; Silicate concentration parameters in the water column; Phytoplankton taxonomic biomass in water bodies

Nutrient analysers; plankton nets; discrete water samplers; salinity sensor; colorimeters; autoanalysers; optical microscopes; pH sensors

Sea water was collected at high tide on a weekly basis from March to October inclusive. Temperature was taken at the time of collection using a thermometer. Sea water subsamples (0.1 ml) were spread over nutrient agar and TCBS medium immediately after collection for the assessment of total bacteria and Vibrio spp respectively. Salinity was measured by refractometer and pH with a pH meter. Nutrients were measured by colorimetric methods using an automatic analyzer. Phytoplankton identification and enumeration were carried out using a binocular microscope

Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory
Pakefield Road
Lowestoft
Suffolk
NR33 OHT
United Kingdom