Water quality indicators
Four key water quality indicators are assessed for the Darwin Harbour Report Cards.
| Indicator | Parameter | Why is this important? | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Water Clarity | Turbidity | Light is important for microscopic algae and other plants, such as seagrasses, to grow and photosynthesize. Stormwater and dredging can reduce water clarity and affect plant growth. |
 | Dissolved oxygen | Oxygen saturation | Oxygen dissolved in the water is essential for fish and other animals to survive. The amount of oxygen in the water can be reduced by water pollution. |
 | Nutrients | Nitrogen oxide, | Nitrogen and phosphorus are nutrients required for algae to grow. However, high nutrient concentrations can increase the amount of algae, resulting in algal blooms which affect the broader environment. |
 | Algae | Chlorophyll-a concentration | These are microscopic plants that may appear as specks in the water, or as a scum floating on the surface. Algae are an important part of the ecosystem in the harbour, but excessive amounts have a detrimental effect on the waterway. |
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