Water Nitrate

AUS-TDG-FOR-WNI General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

31.9 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.

"Recalculated values. Nitrate. 31,900." for 95% species level of protection.

Metric Definition:

Dissolved nitrate concentration as NO3 in freshwater, derived using updated chronic toxicity data to protect 95% of aquatic species.

Benchmark Definition:

Corrected freshwater chronic toxicity trigger value for typical slightly to moderately disturbed ecosystems.

Justification:

Represents the corrected freshwater chronic toxicity trigger value for typical slightly to moderately disturbed 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

More consistent with ambient background concentrations and the relative toxicity of other nitrogen species.

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