Water Nitrate

AUS-AKW-CON-WNI General Low confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range
Range: 0 to 1 mg/L
Optimal Range: 0 to 1
Direction: Lower is desirable ↓
Form: OptimalRange

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 5 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 4 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary MaximumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard Point Guard

Evidence & Context

Optimal Range: From detection limit up to 1.0 mg/L (as N).

Metric Definition:

Optimal operational range for nitrate concentration in groundwater to maintain ecosystem health.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the optimal nitrate concentration range in groundwater to maintain ecosystem health in conservation areas of Arid Karstic Woodlands & Shrublands, reflecting natural nutrient scarcity and avoidance of toxicity.

Justification:

Range reflects natural oligotrophic state and avoidance of toxic stress.

Sources (1)

Preview of WESTERN AUSTRALIAN WATER QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR FRESH AND MARINE WATERS - DBCA Library, accessed July 16, 2025,
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN WATER QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR FRESH AND MARINE WATERS - DBCA Library, accessed July 16, 2025, Journal

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN WATER QUALITY ... - DBCA Library, accessed July 25, 2025,

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Supporting Sources (1)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of "Water quality in caves of the Yanchep National Park and on adjacent private property" (Jasinska & Knott, 2007)
"Water quality in caves of the Yanchep National Park and on adjacent private property" (Jasinska & Knott, 2007)
Direct Evidence Government

"Water quality in caves of the Yanchep National Park and on adjacent private property" (Jasinska & Knott, 2007)

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Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Arid Karstic Woodlands & Shrublands
  • Land Use Conservation / Protected Natural Areas
  • Assessment Conservation Target
  • Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 2 Jun 2026

Notes

The optimal range is from the analytical detection limit up to the upper detrimental threshold of 1.0 mg/L (as N).

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-AKW-CON-WNI family.

1 mg/L Low
Conservation / Protected Natural Areas · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Active v1