Increases in nutrients, particularly in the water column can lead to changes in aquatic floral community composition. For example, increases in the abundance of algal epiphytes and phytoplankton from nutrient input may reduce the amount of light reaching benthic algae and seagrasses. Nutrient input may ultimately lead to eutrophication of waterways.

FRC has been involved in a range of studies looking at the effects of pollutants on freshwater and marine ecosystems, and in determining the likely impacts of the introduction of pollutants to aquatic systems.
Recent projects include:

• Aquatic Ecosystem Monitoring Program Design, Goro Nickel Project, Inco, New Caledonia
  
  The Goro Nickel Project is currently under development in New Caledonia. FRC Environmental designed a monitoring program that would objectively document the impacts of development (including pollutants, heavy metals and nutrients) on the region's aquatic flora and fauna. FRC's design focuses on the aquatic macrophyte, macrobenthic and finfish communities of ephemeral freshwater streams, and coastal coral communities.


• Assessment of Impacts of Nutrient Discharge, Barron River, FNQ; Seafresh Pty Ltd.
  
  The proposed development of a prawn farm on a tributary of the Barron River required an assessment of the potential effects of nutrient-rich discharge. The study considered the effects of nutrient enrichment on phytoplankton and macroalgal communities, and the likely flow-on effects to commercial and recreational fisheries.


• Effects of Oil and Dispersants on Shrimp, Arabian Gulf, Saudi Fishing Company
  
  FRC undertook a review of the effects of oil; it's derivatives; and chemicals used in it's dispersion on shrimp (prawn) and habitats important to shrimp for the Saudi Fishing Company following extensive spillage of oil into the Arabian Gulf during the Gulf war.


• Environmental Management Plan, Donnybrook Log Storage Depot; QDPI Forestry Branch.
  
  The construction of a log storage facility adjacent to Pumicestone Passage required the development of an EMP to address the likely impacts of discharging saline irrigation waters contaminated with acidic timber 'extractives'. The study considered the effects of acidic 'extractives' on a range of aquatic flora and fauna.


• Environmental Impacts of Cooling Water Discharge, Tarong Energy.
  
  The impact of cooling water discharge from Tarong Power Station, on water and sediment contaminant levels, and on the biota of the impoundments within the power station and the creek downstream are being monitored. The monitoring program involves the in situ measurement of water quality, the laboratory analysis of water and sediment samples, and the measurement of the abundance and community diversity of benthic biota.


• An Assessment of the Environmental Effects of Aquaculture, Sichuan and Guangdong Provinces, People's Republic of China: World Bank.
  
  This field study addressed the impacts of a range of aquaculture activities on the rivers and coastal environment of Sichuan and Guangdong Provinces in the Peoples Republic of China. Impacts related to nutrient enrichment, pathogens and reduced water quality.


• Sensitivity of Prawns and Fish to Agricultural Chemical Residues, Cairns; Seafresh P/ L.
  
  As a component of feasibility studies for a large aquaculture facility near Cairns, FRC were commissioned to determine the likely impacts of chemical residues within the sediment on prawn and fish health and growth rate. Chemicals identified included organophosphate pesticides, herbicides and fungicides with a heavy metal active ingredient.


• Environmental Impact Assessment, Forestry and Pulpmill Project, K A proposed large - scale forestry plantation / BKMT pulpmill operation required an environmental impact statement for both the Government of Indonesia and the Board of Shell Ltd. The potential impacts of mill effluent on water quality, marine habitat (including mangrove forest and near-shore coral reef), and coastal fisheries were issues of principal concern.


• The Effects of Nutrient Enrichment on Coastal Ecology, Poona, Great Sandy Strait; The Peter Kurts Group / Maryborough City Council.
  
  Providing specialist expertise to a multi-disciplinary team, FRC undertook studies of coastal flora and fauna, and prepared an assessed of the response of these communities to a range of nutrient inputs from a proposed urban development. This information was used by project engineers to design environmentally sensitive effluent disposal systems.


• Assessment of Port-Associated Pollutants; Townsville Port Authority.
  
  Expansion of the Port's industrial facilities necessitated a consideration of the potential impacts of stormwater runoff that may carry a range of contaminants including pesticides, heavy metals, hydrocarbons and nutrients. FRC provided the client with a review of the toxicity of a range of contaminants to the flora and fauna that may occur within the Port and in adjacent waters, and advised on acceptable levels of these contaminants in the runoff.


• Monitoring Impacts of Tailings Overflow on Benthic Flora and Fauna, Halifax Bay; Queensland Nickel.
  
  FRC undertook field sampling of water, sediments and benthic flora and fauna from a number of sites within Halifax Bay. Samples were analysed for a range of contaminants including heavy metals, nutrients and hydrocarbons. The results of analysis were statistically assessed and the monitoring program design was further optimised through Power and Cost-Benefit analyses.