Water Nitrate — Benchmark Detail

Benchmark Value

3.4 mg/L

Direction: Lower is desirable ↓

Form: MaximumOnly

This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context.

"Nitrate. 17. 700. 3400. 17000." for 90% species level of protection.

Metric Definition:

Dissolved nitrate concentration as NO3 in freshwater, protecting 90% of aquatic species from chronic toxicity.

Benchmark Definition:

Regulatory toxicant trigger value under the ANZECC (2000) framework for highly disturbed freshwater ecosystems.

Justification:

Represents the regulatory toxicant trigger value under the ANZECC (2000) framework for highly disturbed freshwater ecosystems.

Memorandum - Nitrate guideline values in ANZECC 2000, accessed August 8, 2025 Journal

Nitrate toxicity correction for ANZECC (2000) freshwater guidelines

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Data analysis: 2018-2019 catchment nutrient reports

Direct Evidence Government

2018-2019 Catchment Nutrient Reports: Data Analysis

Draft Technical Brief: Toxicant default guideline values for aquatic ecosystem protection: Nitrate in freshwater

Direct Evidence Journal

Draft Technical Brief: Toxicant default guideline values for aquatic ecosystem protection: Nitrate in freshwater

Separate and combined effects of water and nitrogen availability on growth of Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus globulus plantations

Contextual Support Journal

Separate and combined effects of water and nitrogen availability on growth of Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus globulus plantations

Used in highly modified catchments to prevent chronic toxic effects to moderately tolerant macroinvertebrate and fish species.

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TDG-FOR-WNI family.