Water Nitrate — Benchmark Detail

Benchmark Value

0.017 mg/L

Direction: Lower is desirable ↓

Form: MaximumOnly

Scoring Curve

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

Evidence & Context

"Nitrate. 17. 700. 3400. 17000." for 99% species level of protection.

Metric Definition:

Dissolved nitrate concentration as NO3 in freshwater, derived using statistical distribution methods to protect 99% of aquatic species from toxicity.

Benchmark Definition:

Default toxicant trigger value under the ANZECC (2000) framework for the highest level of ecological protection targeting slightly disturbed or pristine aquatic ecosystems.

Justification:

Represents the default toxicant trigger value under the ANZECC (2000) framework for the highest level of ecological protection, specifically targeting slightly disturbed or pristine aquatic ecosystems.

Sources (1)

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

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

Nitrate toxicity correction for ANZECC (2000) freshwater guidelines

View Source

Supporting Sources (3)

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

View Source

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

View Source

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

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands
Land Use Production Forestry
Assessment Pristine Reference
Vegetation Forest
Evidence Type RegulatoryTrigger

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 2
Effective From 15 Jul 2026

Notes

Evaluated using laboratory-derived toxicity data and adjusted using a default acute-to-chronic ratio. Regulatory advisory: EvidenceType 'RegulatoryTrigger' in a 'Pristine Reference' context is unusual. Verify the trigger was derived from or explicitly applies to pristine reference conditions.

Related Benchmarks

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