What aspect of snow removal can affect aquatic ecosystems?

The use of road salt significantly affects aquatic ecosystems due to the way it can contaminate water sources. When snow and ice are treated with salt to facilitate melting on roadways, the runoff from these surfaces carries the salt into nearby rivers, lakes, and streams. This introduction of sodium chloride (or other salts) can lead to increased salinity levels, which can impact the health of freshwater habitats.

High levels of salt can be toxic to aquatic life, disrupting osmoregulation in fish and other organisms, leading to reduced biodiversity. Increased salinity may also negatively affect the growth of aquatic plants, which play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of these ecosystems. Some species may not survive in environments that have been altered by excess salt, leading to long-term ecological consequences that can affect food chains and habitat stability.

While heavy machinery can have negative effects on aquatic ecosystems through habitat disruption, and traffic patterns and public behavior can influence pollution levels, the specific and immediate impact of road salt on water quality and aquatic organisms makes it the most relevant choice in this context.