Condition - Toxicants

Physical-chemical state Changes to the toxicant load entering a wetland can affect: Toxicant concentrations in the water/soil/biota

Pesticides and heavy metals are transported attached to sediments or dissolved in the water. Resuspension of sediments through natural or anthropogenic processes can allow toxicants to become ‘available’ again. Pesticides and heavy metals are deposited with fine mud sediments. Oil is partially water insoluble, can leave a sheen on water disrupting aesthetics, and can make its way into soils.

	Physical-chemical state indicators Condition indicator: toxicants in the sediments Condition indicator: toxicants in the water column Condition indicator: toxicants in biota
	Biological impacts Changes to the toxicant concentrations in the water/soil/biota of a wetland can result in: A loss of sensitive species

Animals and/or plants that are sensitive to toxicants may die if exposed to them, often as mass events. Pesticides and heavy metals can be assimilated by biota and move through the food chain. Herbicide settlement on plants can affect photosynthetic efficiency and may lead to the death of the plant.

Biological impact indicators Condition indicator: mass mortality events caused by toxicants