Under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) the requirement for 'good groundwater status' is dependent upon there being no 'significant damage' to groundwater-dependent terrestrial ecosystems, i.e. groundwater-dependent wetlands. An ecohydrogeological framework was developed to assess the risk of significant damage for groundwater-dependent terrestrial ecosystems in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The framework will be used by the competent authorities implementing the WFD as a decision support system to apply the WFD guidelines on a local to regional basis. The framework considers the variety of groundwater controls and pathways of different wetland types and allows a specific assessment to be made of the vulnerability of different wetland types to groundwater related risks. Seven distinct wetland types were identified and the potential pressures were evaluated. A GIS framework was developed in order to analyse the spatial coincidence of potential risks to each wetland type. The framework was tested for a trial dataset of 10 groundwater controlled wetland ecosystems in England and Wales in order to evaluate their current risk of damage.

A central mucoepidermoid (CMC) tumour is considered a relatively rare, malignant salivary gland tumour which can affect the oral cavity. Many cases present radiographically as cystic-like, radiolucent lesions with possible corticated margins. The treatment modality of choice is through a surgical approach to management; including wide local excision or block resection of the localized involved bone. Patients generally exhibit a reasonable prognosis, however long-term follow-up is advised for careful monitoring, to identify the risk of recurrence. This case report will discuss a patient who was referred into the oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) department by his general dental practitioner (GDP) following an incidental presentation on an Orthopanthogram (OPG) radiographic film (see Figure 1). Here, we will review the relevant literature surrounding the aetiology of a CMC. We will also discuss the diagnosis and management of radiolucent lesions which may present in the oral cavity.