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 10 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 9 guard(s) constrain the result.
Evidence & Context
The evidence strongly supports the existence of a clear upper detrimental threshold for nitrate in aquaculture systems, beyond which the health and performance of the cultured stock are compromised. The work by Gomez Isaza et al. (2020) is pivotal, demonstrating that nitrate concentrations at and above 50 mg/L cause measurable sub-lethal stress, including reduced growth and impaired oxygen-carrying capacity in fish.
Water nitrate concentration in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) representing the threshold for onset of sub-lethal stress in cultured fish species.
This benchmark represents the nitrate concentration threshold in recirculating aquaculture systems beyond which cultured fish experience sub-lethal stress, indicating reduced health and performance.
This benchmark is derived from the lowest peer-reviewed concentration shown to cause sub-lethal stress in a relevant fish species, reflecting a conservative and precautionary approach to maintaining high ecological health in aquaculture systems.
Sources (1)
Supporting Sources (2)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Aquaculture Research to foster investor attraction and establishment ..., accessed July 13, 2025
View SourceSimultaneous exposure to nitrate and low pH reduces the blood oxygen-carrying capacity and functional performance of a freshwater fish | Conservation Physiology | Oxford Academic
View Source