Ecological health of streams
Salt interacts with in-stream biota (animals and plants), changing the ecological health of streams and estuaries. The greatest threat to biodiversity is from the loss of habitat—both on land and in water.
Riparian zones are particularly at risk as they occupy the lowest parts of the landscape where much of the saline groundwater is released to the surface. Salts also help fine materials (such as suspended clay particles) to flocculate, allowing more sunlight to penetrate rivers. This may lead to more harmful algal blooms if there are suitable environmental conditions.