Oil, heavy metals and other chemicals
Oils, heavy metals and other chemicals enter waterways from a variety of potential sources, including urban and agricultural runoff, industrial and mining operations, landfill leachate, and transportation or industrial spills.
These chemicals can have drastic impacts on freshwater and marine ecosystems. This may vary in severity from reducing growth and reproduction, to directly killing plants and animals. The effects of many toxic chemicals are increased by their ability to remain and build up in the environment over a long period of time. The results can be particularly destructive in wetlands and bays where flushing is limited.
More information about the effects of toxic materials on aquatic ecosystems is available from the Department of Sustainability and Environment's website.
Information on chemical pollutants are available on the Murray Darling Basin Commission's website.