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
A water nitrate level of 0.7 mg/L as NO3− (based on the 95% species protection toxicant guideline, as per Hickey's clarification) represents a significant upper detrimental threshold for aquatic ecosystem health.
Water nitrate concentration indicating ecotoxicity risk to aquatic species.
This benchmark represents the upper nitrate concentration threshold above which aquatic species are at risk of toxic effects in Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands under livestock grazing.
Based on the Hickey (2002) review interpretation of the ANZECC (2000) nitrate toxicant guideline for 95% species protection.
Sources (1)
Hickey, C. (2002). Nitrate guideline values in ANZECC 2000. Memorandum MFE02237 prepared for Ministry for the Environment (New Zealand). NIWA Client Report: HAM2002-126.
View SourceSupporting Sources (1)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council & Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand (2000). Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality. Volume 1: The Guidelines.
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