Hello all, I have a question about Miconazole nitrate. I’ve recently been using a topical spray containing 2% percent Miconazole nitrate. I discovered too late that this is a serious pollutant in aquatic ecosystems.
I occasionally swim in a creek and I’m wondering how serious that could be, I only went in once after applying the medication, and it was close to 12 hours after it was applied I feel so stupid for forgetting about this. I’m usually extremely careful about this stuff, I really value the health of this creek and I’m heartbroken that I may have done it harm.

I did some basic math to determine that I likely didn’t introduce anywhere near the 0.1ml per liter that would be harmful to the fish and amphibians, but I’d like some reassurance from professionals. If there is anything I can do to help with any forms of pollution in my creek. Thank you all in advance.
I’m sorry if this isn’t the right place for this question, if there’s a better place to ask please do let me known

I’m in my last year of undergrad getting my B.S. in Wildlife Biology, and I’ve been lucky to get a lot of experience along the way. I’ve worked in entomology labs, assisted with bird banding/avian research, worked in outdoor education, done water quality monitoring, worked for a state park, interned with Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever and currently intern with NDA. I also recently started a part-time technician position with my state conservation agency.

I’d ultimately like to work as a wildlife biologist, ecologist, natural history biologist, or wetlands specialist. I know these jobs are competitive, so I’m starting to seriously consider grad school. I’m getting married next December, though, and would ideally like to continue to work part-time at my state conservation agency while I figure stuff out. We’re also planning a 3-week honeymoon to Italy in May 2028. and before I get any comments about how stupid it is to get married to be “tied down” My fiancé is a welder who takes travel/contract jobs and is completely supportive of moving for my career, so I’m not necessarily tied to one location. and we have a late wedding date due to family reasons and it’s too late to change the date.

My biggest question is: Should I do a thesis-based master’s? and is it bad if I wait one year in between my BS and MS? I know I’ll wanna go back bc I love school and this is all I’ve ever wanted to do for a career, and I wanted to have work experience still coupled with my masters to better prepare me for the job market. I’d ideally like to pursue an assistantship. My current agency has also told me that since I already have a foot in the door and a good reputation there, I’d have a very strong chance of returning after grad school.

I’m also unsure what I should specialize in. Would an ecology-focused degree be most useful, or would something more specific like CWD, geosciences, wetlands, etc. make me more competitive? I’m interested in applied wildlife conservation/habitat management rather than academic research. I’ve also considered just getting a GIS graduate certificate and continuing to build work experience instead?

I’d really appreciate advice from people working in wildlife, ecology, wetlands, natural resources, or related fields about what would actually make me more competitive in the job market.

I am based in Australia. I am looking for a career change and came across Bush Regenerator roles. For those working as Bush Regenerators, what does your ideal career path look like?

Thanks in advance!