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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Environment
Graham Readfearn

Groundwater a significant source of pollution on Great Barrier Reef, study shows

Aerial shot of coral reef
New research claims pollution is flowing into the Great Barrier Reef through underground water sources. Photograph: AP

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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