Increased water nutrient concentrations
Impact
Nutrient concentration refers to the amount of a nutrient within a waterway. Nutrient concentrations can be increased by human activity. Major sources of nutrients include runoff from agricultural areas (e.g. fertilisers), urban stormwater and wastewater (including sewage), eroded soils and aquaculture (OzEstuaries, 2005). Nutrient concentration is an important determinant of water quality. The process by which a body of water becomes rich in dissolved nutrients is refered to as eutrophication.
Suggested indicators: Nitrates in water*, Phosphates in water*
Increased water nutrient load may be associated with:
| Potential associated impacts | Suggested indicators |
| Increased potential for algal blooms |
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Reduced water dissolved oxygen levels caused by the large number of microorganisms feeding on the algae |
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| Death of fish and invertebrates due to reduced dissolved oxygen and toxins released by some algae |
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Death of terrestrial fauna due to toxins released by some algae |
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| Changed vegetation (aquatic and terrestrial) composition and condition |
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| Increased shellfish contamination | |
| Clogging of filters, meters, valves and trickle irrigation lines | |
| Corrosion of metal tanks |
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* Yet to be developed
Last updated: 27 August 2008