WFD Cycle 2 Lake Phytobenthos Classification: UK Lake Ecological Status

A retired subset of the WFD Classification Status Cycle 2 dataset contains classification data for phytobenthos in lakes. The data is used to calculate a Trophic Diatom Index (TDI) and an Ecological Quality Ratio (EQR) to classify water bodies as High, Good, Moderate, Poor, or Bad for the Water Framework Directive. The dataset is provided by the Environment Agency with a copyright date of 2015.

Use Cases

• Classify lake ecological status based on diatom community composition.
• Calculate Trophic Diatom Index (TDI) scores for UK lakes.
• Assess water body quality for Water Framework Directive (WFD) reporting.
• Compare observed versus expected diatom taxa to derive Ecological Quality Ratios (EQRs).

Strengths

• Data is structured for regulatory classification (High, Good, Moderate, Poor, Bad).
• Based on a defined biological index (Trophic Diatom Index) with a clear methodology.
• Originates from the authoritative Environment Agency for UK water bodies.

Limitations

• The dataset has been retired and superseded by a newer record.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

Environment Agency

Collection Method

Likely contains field sampling and laboratory analysis of lake phytobenthos.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-17 15:08:20.954068; freshness should be verified.

Geography

United Kingdom