Integrating baseline and runoff-driven variability to formulate site-specific marine water quality guidelines on Norfolk Island
摘要
In this study, we presents a comprehensive water quality findings from Norfolk Island dataset (2022–2024) under the Norfolk Island Water Resource Assessment (NIWRA). Sampling focused on both reference sites (Cascade, Duncombe, Anson, Ball Bays) and impacted areas such as (Slaughter Bay, Emily Bay, Cemetery Bay) where coral reef health has deteriorated. Monitored parameters which included temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, turbidity, nutrients, metals, and ultra-trace organic contaminants, were measured under both baseline and post-rainfall conditions. Baseline sampling was conducted when no rainfall event greater than 20 mm had occurred in the previous 1 to2 weeks, while post-rainfall sampling followed events exceeding 20 mm of precipitation within the prior 24 to48 h, consistent with NIWRA classification criteria. Elevated nutrient levels, especially total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) ,and episodic spikes during turbidity were frequently observed in impacted sites following storm-driven runoff (Donova, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 10:5351–5357,