River Pollution Diagnostic System (RPDS) - computer-based analysis and visualisation for bio-monitoring data

The importance of biological monitoring for the assessment of river quality is well established. Bio-monitoring programmes, in particular the recording of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages, produce an abundance of data to support the process of river quality assessment. However, current data analysis techniques are largely based on subjective score systems that do not fully realise the potential information value of such complex multivariate data sets. More advanced techniques of data analysis and visualisation can help to maximise the value of biological data, and hence to more efficiently and effectively direct resources, funding and research. A River Pollution Diagnostic System (RPDS) is described. RPDS was recently developed by the authors for the Environment Agency in England and Wales; it aims to maximise information retrieval from biological and environmental data.