Water Nitrate
Benchmark Value
Scoring Curve
This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context. The scoring engine uses 11 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 10 guard(s) constrain the result.
Evidence & Context
Chronic toxic effects on sensitive freshwater fauna (e.g., fish, invertebrates) begin at concentrations around 1.6 mg/L.
Concentration of nitrate (NO₃) at which chronic toxic effects begin on sensitive freshwater fauna.
This threshold marks the nitrate concentration at which chronic toxic effects start to occur in sensitive freshwater fauna in the Temperate Grassy Woodlands & Plains biome's industrial water bodies.
This threshold is based on a comprehensive review of chronic toxicity data relevant for setting long-term environmental benchmarks.
Sources (1)
Nitrate in freshwater, toxicant default guideline values for protecting aquatic ecosystems
View SourceSupporting Sources (34)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
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