Traditionally groundwater systems were seen as areas of low biodiversity and simple food webs, but a growing body of evidence suggests that they are physically and biologically diverse with vibrant functional ecosystems. While some research has been performed into New Zealand’s groundwater biodiversity, this has tended to focus on key aquifers of significant national importance. Little is known about the species present in uncommon aquifer types, and before groundwater can effectively be monitored and managed at a national scale, this needs to be addressed.
To achieve these objectives, biodiversity samples were collected and analysed from uncommon aquifers which are lacking from the national dataset. Analysis revealed significant differences organism communities across different aquifer types. This data is critical to understanding groundwater biodiversity.
Traditionally groundwater systems were seen as areas of low biodiversity and simple food webs, but a growing body of evidence suggests that they are physically and biologically diverse with vibrant functional ecosystems. While some research has been performed into New Zealand’s groundwater biodiversity, this has tended to focus on key aquifers of significant national importance. Little is known about the species present in uncommon aquifer types, and before groundwater can effectively be monitored and managed at a national scale, this needs to be addressed.
To achieve these objectives, biodiversity samples were collected and analysed from uncommon aquifers which are lacking from the national dataset. Analysis revealed significant differences organism communities across different aquifer types. This data is critical to understanding groundwater biodiversity.