The Marne River at Mannum Road

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Archived water quality assessments

Water chemistry

The indicators that are measured in the Marne River at Mannum Road are nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), turbidity and salinity. The concentrations of these indicators are used to classify the water chemistry as being in good, moderate or poor condition, according to the needs of aquatic ecosystem protection.

Water chemistry classification for October 2005 to March 2006

Indicator	Classification
Oxidised Nitrogen	Good
Total Nitrogen	Good
Soluble Phosphorus	Good
Total Phosphorus	Good
Turbidity	Good

These classifications are generally consistent with previous results, although total nitrogen and turbidity levels have on occasions been elevated and classified as moderate. This site was sampled less frequently due to dry conditions.

Water chemistry classification for April to September 2005

Indicator	Classification
Oxidised Nitrogen	Good
Total Nitrogen	Moderate
Soluble Phosphorus	Good
Total Phosphorus	Good
Turbidity	Moderate

The amount of total nitrogen can become elevated as a result of fertilisers or animal wastes being washed off farms during storms or due to effluent outfalls. High turbidity is usually due to the suspension of fine silt which is carried in the stream after erosion of soils and bank erosion along the stream. Elevated turbidity can reduce plant photosynthesis and smother small invertebrates, or habitat such as rocks, which some invertebrates need. The elevated nitrogen and turbidity results for the recent samples are consistent with previous results. This site was sampled less frequently due to dry conditions.

This page was last modified 13-09-2007