Dravid Hosein

INTRODUCTION
The topic chosen for this journal report is the factors which affect the water
quality of rivers in Moka, Maraval. Water pollution is the contamination of
which harmful and objectionable materials and suspended within water in
quantities which can degrade the quality of water.
The project is to allow one to become aware of the factors the factors that
affect the quality of water in the river and the harms of a polluted river on
an aquatic ecosystem and even us humans who may use it recreationally
and or domestically. Additionally the the water qualities which will be focused
on are as followed; pH, Nitrate/ppm, Phosphate/ppm, Dissolved Oxygen/ppm,
Temperature/degrees Celsius and alkalinity.

METHODOLGY
The methods of data collection which were used are use visiting of a single
site on 6 occasions in Moka Maraval and around the area. The usage of
scientific kits to test for the factors that affect the water quality of the
environs. A sample of water from the site was taken for every visit and test
for the above. The internet was used to obtain the acceptable international
standards for the various water pollutants and also information for the
literature review.

LITERATURE REVIEW

1. The quality of surface water resources of Trinidad in many places is

degrading due to high levels of suspended solids, organic matter, high
bacteria counts and the presence of chemical pollutants. The main
causes are uncontrolled point source discharges, in particular industrial
(including mining) and domestic. The high erosion rates in upstream
area and the indiscriminate removal of vegetation cover contributes to
the high turbidity and suspended solids loads in watersheds. The
increasing pressure on the water resources due to pollution and socioeconomic activities will result in an even higher rate pollution, if no
corrective measures are instituted. (Phillip H.W. 1998 River water
quality in Trinidad and Tobago)

2. Domestic wastewater discharges continues to be a serious and chronic

problem. Discharged wastewater finds its way into the marine
environment where it can have negative public heath effects, largely
through the bacterial content. Solid wastes are managed by sanitary
land filling with minimal recycling. There is a serious potential problem
at the Beetham dump (Trinidad), situated close to the sea where
seepage may be transported to the coast via adjoining wetlands.
Agricultural and industrial pollution are constant features of the
economic development of the country.(Alexia C.R. 2009 Water
Pollution in the northern range of Trinidad )
3. There have been a number of reported fish kills in rivers of Trinidad and
Tobago attributed to the indiscriminate use of pesticides, fertilizers and
domestic chemicals. In Trinidad the rivers Maraval, St. Anns, Santa
Cruz/San Juan, Caroni and Arima.(Bryon E.R. 2010. What are some
factors that affect water quality of the rivers in Trinidad and Tobago?)
4. Trinidad and Tobago has historically enjoyed good potable water
quality. Increasing pollution from sewage and industrial effluents
combined with soil erosion and unmitigated development are
threatening the quality of potable water while increasing treatment
cost. At the same time, pollution can have significant implications for
public health and natural ecosystems (Michelle S.I. 2007. Importance
of maintaining water quality)