Groundwater a significant source of pollution on Great Barrier Reef, study shows
by Graham Readfearn from on (#6FDC0)
New research casts doubt on effectiveness of targeting surface runoff only and highlights need to use fertilisers more efficiently, experts say
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Scientists say they have discovered large flows of pollution are reaching the Great Barrier Reef after soaking into underground water, a finding that could have implications for policymakers focused on cutting pollution from river catchments.
The new research claims almost a third of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and two-thirds of dissolved inorganic phosphorus in the reef's waters are coming from underground sources - an amount previously undocumented.
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