Which pollutant impacts water chemistry and aquatic life during construction activities?

Hydrocarbons are a group of organic compounds that can significantly impact water chemistry and aquatic life during construction activities. These pollutants can enter water bodies through runoff from construction sites, equipment leaks, and spills. Hydrocarbons can adversely affect water quality by decreasing dissolved oxygen levels and harming aquatic organisms due to their toxic nature. They can also disrupt the growth and reproductive processes of various aquatic species, leading to long-term ecological consequences.

In the context of construction, managing the risk of hydrocarbon pollution is critical to protecting water bodies and the life they support. Effective erosion and sediment control practices, such as proper containment, spillage management, and the use of sediment barriers, are vital in preventing hydrocarbons from entering waterways, thereby safeguarding aquatic ecosystems.

The other pollutants listed, while they may also be harmful, do not specifically impact water chemistry and aquatic life in the same direct manner during construction as hydrocarbons do.