Water Nitrate

AUS-TDG-FOR-WNI General High confidence

Benchmark Value

0.7 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

A freshwater moderate reliability trigger value for nitrate toxicity as NO3 (nitrate) of 700 µg/L was calculated using the statistical distribution method 95% protection and the default ACR.

Metric Definition:

Dissolved nitrate concentration as NO3 in freshwater, protecting 95% of aquatic species from chronic toxicity.

Benchmark Definition:

Standard, nationally accepted moderate-reliability toxicant trigger value designed to safeguard the aquatic fauna of slightly to moderately disturbed streams.

Justification:

This is the standard, nationally accepted moderate-reliability toxicant trigger value designed to safeguard the aquatic fauna of slightly to moderately disturbed streams.

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.

Preview of Data analysis: 2018-2019 catchment nutrient reports
Data analysis: 2018-2019 catchment nutrient reports
Direct Evidence Government

2018-2019 Catchment Nutrient Reports: Data Analysis

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Preview of Draft Technical Brief: Toxicant default guideline values for aquatic ecosystem protection: Nitrate in freshwater
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
Preview of Separate and combined effects of water and nitrogen availability on growth of Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus globulus plantations
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 Conservation Target
  • Evidence Type RegulatoryTrigger

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 2
  • Effective From 15 Jul 2026

Notes

This guideline addresses direct toxic physiological impacts rather than biostimulatory eutrophication risks.

Related Benchmarks

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

0.017 mg/L High
Production Forestry · Pristine Reference · Forest
MaximumOnly Active v2
3.4 mg/L High
Production Forestry · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Active v2
17 mg/L High
Production Forestry · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Active v2
21.6 mg/L Moderate
Production Forestry · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Active v2
31.9 mg/L Moderate
Production Forestry · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Active v2
38.5 mg/L Moderate
Production Forestry · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Active v2
52 mg/L Moderate
Production Forestry · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Active v2
0.2 mg/L High
Production Forestry · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Active v1
0.15 mg/L High
Production Forestry · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Active v1
0.7 mg/L High
Production Forestry · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Active v1
0.017 mg/L High
Production Forestry · Pristine Reference · Forest
MaximumOnly Superseded v1
0.7 mg/L High
Production Forestry · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Superseded v1
3.4 mg/L High
Production Forestry · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Superseded v1
17 mg/L High
Production Forestry · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Superseded v1
21.6 mg/L Moderate
Production Forestry · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Superseded v1
31.9 mg/L Moderate
Production Forestry · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Superseded v1
38.5 mg/L Moderate
Production Forestry · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Superseded v1
52 mg/L Moderate
Production Forestry · Conservation Target
MaximumOnly Superseded v1