Skip to main content
Earth Sciences
Group of people in the distance near the sea

Seaweed study prompts water quality investigation

4 November 2025
Share page:
A river with rocks covered in green seaweed

Research from our Department of Earth Sciences has identified the potential source of nitrogen pollution affecting a popular bathing area.

About the study

For almost two years, Professor Darren Gröcke has been leading a comprehensive study of seaweed along the North Yorkshire coast from Filey to Hayburn Wyke, on behalf of North Yorkshire Council.

Through nitrogen isotope analysis of more than 3,000 samples, the findings show values linked to animal manure and human sewage as the dominant contributor to nitrogen pollution.

The study also indicates Scalby Beck as a source of nitrogen pollution in Scarborough that is carried south by marine currents towards Scarborough South Bay, a popular visitor and leisure area.

The Environment Agency, a public body that works to protect and improve the environment in England and Wales, has also identified several possible causes impacting bathing water quality, including issues at Scalby Beck.

Further investigation announced

North Yorkshire Council is now supporting further investigations by the water company Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency to improve bathing water in Scarborough.

The announcement followed the North Yorkshire Coast Bathing Water Summit, which included an update from Prof Gröcke.

Councillor Carl Les, Leader of North Yorkshire Council, thanked Prof Gröcke for his research.

Find out more