Measuring the state of groundwater
The effect of contaminants from land-use activities on groundwater ecosystems has long been suspected. Until now, however, these effects have not been systematically measured.
The first results from seven new research wells on the Canterbury Plains have confirmed that groundwater fauna differ depending on their location relative to a land–based wastewater disposal site at Leeston. The abundance and diversity of groundwater invertebrates decreased along the three pairs of wells located at increasing distances downstream of the oxidation pond disposal area. Spot measurements of water chemistry may often miss contaminant events – and in this case no clear indications of contamination showed up in water testing. This research shows that groundwater ecosystems may be more reliable indicators.
This research was funded by the Foundation for Research, Science & Technology.