Investigating freshwater metal pollution in Corby Report
In August 2025, Corby community leaders approached Earthwatch Europe to investigate metal pollution in Corby’s waterways. In November 2025, 35 citizen scientists assessed 59 freshwater sites across Corby for metal contamination using simple testing kits and collecting samples for laboratory analysis by Artemis Analytical.
Key findings
- 35 citizen scientists assessed 59 freshwater sites across Corby for 33 elements: 29 metals and metalloids, and 4 reactive non-metals
- At every site across Corby, at least one metal or metalloid was present at concentrations which exceed their Predicted No Effect Concentration (PNEC), the concentration below which no adverse ecological effects are expected.
- Nickel was detected in 30 samples at concentrations higher than its PNEC, and cadmium was detected in 7 samples at elevated concentrations compared to the baseline of the Corby area.
- The sites where cadmium and nickel were found at elevated concentrations were largely found in two general areas: Deene Quarry and a former slag heap in Weldon.
Thank you to the community in Corby who made this report possible. Thank you also to Artemis Analytical for their support with this investigation of metal pollution in Corby.
