This dust eventually settles over land and water. Rain and snow aid in removing zinc from air. Most of the zinc in bodies of water, such as lakes or rivers, settles on the bottom. However, a small amount may remain either dissolved in water or as fine suspended particles. The level of dissolved zinc in water may increase as the acidity of water increases.
Some fish can collect zinc in their bodies if they live in water containing zinc.
Most of the zinc in soil is bound to the soil and does not dissolve in water. However, depending on the characteristics of the soil, some zinc may reach groundwater. Contamination of groundwater from hazardous waste sites has been noticed. Zinc may be taken up by animals eating soil or drinking water containing zinc. If other animals eat these animals, they will also have increased amounts of zinc in their bodies.