As part of their studies of competing demands in river basins, the Terminale Geography students spent a day at the Durance River in the Luberon. Through the collection of primary data, notably water samples, the students investigated the effects of surrounding socio-economic activities on the river.
The results showed a river which, due to a major reduction in discharge, has lost its ability to flush away pollutants and hence suffer from eutrophication. The future use of this river lies in question and unless more sustainable practices are adopted, we may not continue to benefit from the waters of the Durance River.
by Fiona O’BRIEN – Geography Dept. Coordinator