Contaminant Effects Sources

Oxygen demanding material Drop in dissolved oxygen, • Branches and organic

which aquatic life needs to matter from throughout the
survive catchment
• Sewer spills

Suspended sediments/solids • Smothering of aquatic • Construction activities

habitats -> loss of • Industrial and domestic
biodiversity wastewater
• Decreased light • Soil erosion
penetration -> reduced
respiration of aquatic plants
and algae
• Contaminants can be
associated with suspended
solid

Nutrients • changes in ecosystem • Domestic waste

structure • Animal waste
• algal blooms (both toxic • Fertilisers
and nontoxic) • Food waste
• low DO levels due to the • Phosphorus based
decomposition of dead detergents
algae

Heavy metals • Toxic effects to humans • Industrial wastewater

and aquatic life • Accidental spills
• Lead -> neurological • Leaching street furniture
problems (changed and roofs
behavior, changed • Vehicle emissions
cognition), hearing loss,
disruption to growth of
children and fetuses, heart
problems, nerve problems,
kidney problems (e.g., Flint
Water Crisis 2014)
• Mercury -> psychosis, loss
of consciousness, death
(e.g., MinamataDisaster)

Hydrocarbons, Pesticides • Toxic effects on humans • Household lawns

and herbicides and aquatic life • Road runoff
(carcinogenic) • Boats and ships

PPCPs • Minimal human health • Wastewater discharge

effects (maybe?)
• Effects on fish and wildlife
• Bacterial resistance

Microorganisms • Health effects on humans • Domestic wastewater

(gastrointestinal disease, (faecal matter) via sewage
infections of skin/eyes) inflows
• Animal waste via urban
runoff