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Spot sampling of nutrient concentrations in the Puarenga catchment, Rotorua
Abstract
The Centre for Biodiversity and Ecology Research was approached by TÅ«hourangi Tribal Authority for assistance with measuring water quality in streams in the Puarenga Stream catchment. Water sampling was subsequently undertaken on 18 July 2011 and samples were analysed to determine concentrations of total and dissolved fractions of nitrogen and phosphorus.
Nitrogen and phosphorus are both essential plant nutrients which, when present in excess, can cause eutrophication and associated water quality decline of freshwaters. High concentrations of dissolved forms of nitrogen can also be toxic to aquatic organisms. Excessive nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations are typically the result of pollution due to human activities, although groundwater in the Central Volcanic Plateau region can have elevated concentrations of phosphorus arising from natural geological sources.
This report summarises the methods used, presents the results and places measured concentrations in context by drawing comparisons with both guideline and regional mean values.
Type
Commissioned Report for External Body
Type of thesis
Series
Citation
Abell, J.M. & Hamilton, D.P. (2011). Spot sampling of nutrient concentrations in the Puarenga catchment, Rotorua. CBER Contract Report No. 122, prepared for TÅ«hourangi Tribal Authority. Hamilton, New Zealand: Centre for Biodiversity and Ecology Research, The University of Waikato.
Date
2011-09
Publisher
Centre for Biodiversity and Ecology Research, The University of Waikato