Statement of Problem

This research seeks to examine The influence of human activity on water quality.

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 Purpose of Project

The purpose of this project is to;

The influence of human activities on water quality.

To determine the water quality index and providence of pollutants of the wag water river

and immediate surroundings.

To investigate categories and sources of water pollution.
To assess water quality parameters;
i. Fecal coli form
ii. PH of water
iii. Temperature of water
iv. Phosphate
v. nitrate

Method of Data Collection

The following methodologies were used to collect data;

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Observation

Observation is described as a way of gathering data by watching behavior, events, or noting

physical characteristics in their natural setting. The method of observation was used to observe

the infustructural development among rivers and the impact that human activity have on water

quality.

Secondary data

Secondary data is described as data that have been already collected by and readily available

from other sources. Secondary data was used in this study as books, journals and articles were

used in the study.

Experiments/lab

An test under controlled conditions that is made to demonstrate a known truth, examines the vali

dity of an hypothesis, or determine the efficacy of something previously untried.Expiraments

were use in this research as method of data collection as experiment was used to test the

temperature of water, the PH of water, nitrate and fecal coli form.

Field study

Field studies involve collecting data outside of an experimental or lab setting. This type of data

collection is most often done in natural settings or environments.A Field study was used to

collect original or unconventional data via face-to-face interviews surveys and directobservation.

This research technique is used in the collection of water sample, collection of pollutants and the

recording of temperature and PH.

Asses/map

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The use of maps and assessment was used in this study to examine the type of landscape present

at each site visit and the surrounding environment.

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 Literature review

Water quality is an issue that affects the environment. There are many things that may cause

water quality to become poor. However it is mainly affected by human causes, such as the

pollution of chemical substances, run-off, and pesticide use. Water quality is an important issue

in Jamaica and a worldwide; many research as done on this issue. This literature review was

done to discover what other has written about the topic to get a more reliable and accurate

understanding of human activity has influence water quality.

According to the Britannica encyclopedia defines water a substance composed of the chemical

elements hydrogen and oxygen and existing in gaseous, liquid, and solid states. While Water

quality is commonly defined by its physical, chemical, biological and aesthetic (appearance and

smell) characteristic (The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) 2015

According to green facts (2015) in there article titled water resources. It was noted that human

activity has become a serious threat to water resources. These treats to water quality include

sedimentation, pollution, climate change, deforestation, landscape changes, and urban growth

Pollution is one such way in which human activities affect water quality. Pollution to water is

caused by a result of the fact that humans put fertilizers and pesticides on their crops so that they

grow better. Fertilizers and pesticides washed through the soil by rain trough peculation and end

up in rivers. Chemical waste products from industrial processes are sometimes accidentally

discharged into rivers. Pollutants including cyanide, zinc, lead, copper, cadmium and mercury of

example are sources of pollutions of water supply. These substances may enter the water in such

high concentrations that fish and other animals to die. People pollute water as they dispose their

garbage directly into rivers Factories use water from rivers to power machinery or to cool down

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machinery. Dirty water containing chemicals is put back in the river. Water used for cooling in

industry is warmer than the river itself. Raising the temperature of the water lowers the level of

dissolved oxygen and upsets the balance of life in the water. http://www.lenntech.com/rivers-

pollution-quality.htm

Sediment is the most common pollutant in rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs. Sediment

entering water degrades the quality of water for drinking and wildlife. Sediment pollutes water

making it cloudy and Murky preventing natural vegetation from growing in water. Nutrients

transported by sediment can activate blue-green algae in rivers. Sediment deposits in rivers can

alter the flow of water and reduce water depth. Sedimentation of surface waters can cause stream

channels to become clogged with sediment. When stream channels become clogged, the result

will be an increase in bank erosion, meandering, and flooding. Sediment also reduces the storage

capacity of reservoirs, destroys wetland areas, and degrades the quality of water for municipal,

industrial, and recreational uses. (The Environmental Protection Agency 2002)

According to Blanchard, Cook, Crowley, Daniels, Eichner, Ellworth, Gorney, Jarecki, Jennings,

Keller, kleiner, Lambert, Murphy, Prothero, Ravailolio and Skinner in a journal article by the

Tunkhannock Creek Watershed Atlas 2001 titled human impact on water quality it was express

that human activity affect water quality in trough landscape changes such as landscape changes

for agricultures agriculture proposes. They outlined three factors come into play when

considering the effect of agricultural effect on water quality such as: Pesticides, fertilizers and

the waste produced by our farm animals, and non-existent sewage disposal systems. Fertilizers

are excess nutrients and they are applied to aid growth; pesticides are chemicals to kill or repel

pests; and wastes are excess nutrients excreted by farm animals such as nitrogen and phosphorus.

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When pesticides or fertilizers are applied to crops near to water sources seep into the ground an

eventual ending in bodies of water. Fertilizer, pesticides, and excess nutrient wastes by farm

animals, and non-existent sewage management plans may contaminate freshwater ecosystems

and harm plants, animals, insects, and fish that rely on this freshwater for their habitats. If large

amounts of fertilizers or farm waste drain into a river the concentration of nitrate and phosphate

in the water increases considerably. Algae use these substances to grow and multiply rapidly

turning the water green. This massive growth of algae, called eutrophication, leads to pollution.

When the algae die they are broken down by the action of the bacteria which quickly multiply,

using up all the oxygen in the water which leads to the death of many animals and affect the

dissolved oxygen concentration in the water, which is vital for the survival of most aquatic

organisms. (Utah State University2015)

Landscape change such as modulation of river valley is another way in which human activity has

greatly affected water quality. One way in which human affects water quality is trough the

building of Levees. Levees are built along river banks to protect adjacent lands from flooding.

These structures commonly are very effective in containing smaller magnitude floods .although

leave are built to protect adjacent landscape from flood, during an event of Large floods s

overtop or breach the levees occurs , resulting in widespread flooding. Flooding of low-lying

land is, in a sense, the most visible and extreme example of the interaction of ground water and

surface water. During flooding, recharge to ground water is continuous; given sufficient time, the

water table may rise to the land surface and completely saturate the shallow aquifer. If levees fail

during a major flood, the area, depth, and duration of flooding in some areas may be greater than

if levees were not present.

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Urban development is another treat to water quality. Population growth causes for more

resources to be used as a result there is a higher demand for housing, food and cloth. As

population grows cities and towns are developed to support then, this resulted in increased use of

fertilizers to produce more food, soil erosion due to deforestation, increase in construction

activities, inadequate sewer collection and treatment, landfills as more garbage is produced,

increase in chemicals from industries to produce more materials. (Rinkesh 2009)

Deforestation another such way in which humans affect water quality.deforstration affect s water

quality trough erosion destruction.deforestration result in soil being are exposed to the suns

heat, this result in the moisture in Soil getting dry and the ,nutrients evaporate a.. Eventually,

rain washes down the soil surfaces into river due to erosion. When deforestation occur the

atmosphere, water bodies and the water table are all affected due to Trees absorb and retain water

in their roots. A large part of the water that circulates in the ecosystem remains inside the plants.

Some of this moisture is transpired into the atmosphere. When this process is broken, the

atmosphere and water bodies begin to dry out. The watershed potential is compromised and less

water will run through the rivers. http://eschooltoday.com/forests/problems-of-deforestation.html

Climate change is another way in which human affect water quality. The increase in the gases,

such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane, in the atmosphere has a significant effect on the heat

in the atmosphere of the Earth's surface and the lower parts. The concentrations of CO2 in the

atmosphere of have increase as a result of the increase in burning of fossil fuels. Surficial

aquifers, which supply much of the stream flow and which contribute flow to lakes, wetlands,

and estuaries, are the aquifers most sensitive to seasonal and longer term climatic variation. As a

result, the interaction of ground water and surface water also will be sensitive to variability of

climate or to changes in climate. (U.S. Geological Survey2013)

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 Presentation of data

Figure 1: The Bar graph shows the data record for testing for the pH and temperature for

each site visit

35

30

25

20
Temperatuture
and
Temperature
pH 15
PH

10

0
Tom's River Castleton Broadgate Wag water

Locations

Figure 1 illustrates the PH and the temperature for the different site visit. Temperature for Toms

River was 23C while at Castleton the temperature was 29C.At Broad gate the temperature was

23C and at wag water it was 28C.The ph value Toms River was six (6) indicating a week acid

while at Castleton it was seven (7) indicating a neutral level of pH.At Broadgate it was Five (5)

indicating a weak acid and at wag water it was seven (7) indicating a neutral PH level.

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Table 1: shows the data record for testing for fecal coli form for each site visit

Parameter Location Results

Fecal coliform Toms River >1600

MPN/100ML

Fecal coliform Castleton 1600

MPN/100ML

Fecal coliform Broad gate 920

MPN/100ML

Fecal coliform Wag water River 120

MPN/100ML

Table 1 above show the different results recorded as each location when testing was done for the

presence of fecal coliform. The results revealed that Toms River had the greatest level of fecal

coliform as the level of fecal coliform was greater than one thousand six hundred

(>1600).Castleton recorded the second highest level of fecal coliform as it had one thousand six

hundred ML of fecal coliform present in it. Broadwater and Wag water recorded the least as they

recorded nine hundred and twenty(920) ML and (140) ML respectively.

Table 2: Table 2 shows the data recorded for the testing for nitrate for each site visit

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Parameter Location Result

Nitrate Mg/L Toms River 0.44

Nitrate Mg/L Castleton 0.88

Nitrate Mg/L Broadgate 1.32

Nitrate Mg/L Wag water River <0.1

Table 2 above illustrates the test result for nitrate that was recoded for each location.it was seen

that Castleton nitrate of 0.88 ML present. 0.44 ML of nitrate was found to be present in the

Toms River. Nitrate level at broad gate was 1.32M L and at wag water river <0.1 Ml respectively.

Table 3: Table 2 shows the data recorded for the testing of Phosphate at the each sit visit

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Parameter Location Result

Phosphate Mg/L TomRiver 0.37

Phosphate Mg/L Castleton 0.30

Phosphate Mg/L Broadgate 0.24

Phosphate Mg/L Wag Water River 0.16

Table 3show the level of nitrate present at the at each location .At Toms River phosphate levels

were 0.37 Mg were found to be present in the water. Castleton level was 0.30 Mg of phosphate

was recoded. Broadgate and Wag water River saw 0.24 and 0.16 respectively of phosphate

present.

Analysis of Data

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Based on the finding of this research; Toms river recorded a temperature of 23C this was

possible as a result of the fact that the water was very shallow as such it was susceptible to

changes of the air above than deep water.At Castleton the temperature was 29C this may be a

result of the fact that Thermal pollution existed as a result of human activities affecting water

temperature. Many industries within Castleton use river water in their processes. The water is

treated before it is returned to the river, but is warmer than it was before. The temperature of brad

gate is also possible as a result of the Runoff entering the river from farms and rooftops that is

often warmer than the stream.Broad gate temperature was 23C this temperature was a possible

result of the fact that the depth of the water was very low as such it was easily heated by the

sun.At wag water it was 28C this was possibly as a result of the fact that very Shade little shade

existed, this had a great impact on temperature because river warming is influenced by direct

sunlight. Human activities at Wag water resulted in the remove shade trees from the area which

will allow more sunlight to reach the water, causing the water temperature to rise.

The pH value Toms River was six (6) indicating a week acid this may be as a result of the

farming practices which increases the acidity of surface water near animal farms. At Castleton it

was seven (7) indicating a neutral level of Ph this may be a result of the dumping of pollutants

such as soap bags containing phosphate and nitrate directly into the water causing immediate

effects on the pH of a stream. . At Broadgate it was Five (5) indicating a weak acid this may be

as a result of the mining and quarrying practices at Broadgate which exposes rocks to rain water

and produce acidic runoff. At wag water it was seven (7) indicating a neutral PH level acid

Polluted precipitation, also known as acid rain, which increases the acidity of surface water

near many industrial or large urban areas.

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Toms river had the greatest amount of fecal coliform present as it was greater than one thousand

six hundred(<1600).This level of fecal coliform is a possible contributing factor of the practice

of animal husbandry and as a result of swage from houses adjacent to the river. At Castleton

fecal coliform was recorded as the second highest as 1600 ML of fecal coliform was present.

This level of fecal coliform may be as a result of the sewage from the different houses adjacent

to the river. Broadgate recorded 920 ML this level of fecal coliform is possibly as a result of the

form which rare animal alongside the river. Wag water recorded only 140 ML possibly, as a

result of the fact that the researcher visited the mouth of wag water so it would have a smaller

amount of fecal coliform as only a few homes were located near the river.

When the different site location was tested for nitrate, it was revealed that Broadgate had the

highest of 1.32 .Broadgate high level of nitrate may be as a result of the fact that farmers within

the area use inorganic fertilizers containing nitrate which may run-off into stream causing a rise

in the level of nitrate. Castleton was recorded as the second highest as level of nitrate was

recorded at0.44.This level of nitrate may be as a result of the fact that persons use the Castleton

river for domestic purposes such as the washing of their clothing, this may negatively affect

water quality as these soap use for the washing of cloth contain nitrate therefore increasing the

level of nitrate. Toms river recorded as the third highest of nitrate as it recorded only 0.44 ML of

nitrate. This may be as a result of sewage from houses near the river and also as a result of the

fecal coliform from the pig farm adjacent to Toms River from which the water was taken.At wag

water river nitrate level was <0.1.this level of nitrate may be as a result of the fact that the

researcher visited the mouth of wag water as such there would be less level of nitrate found. The

level of nitrate found was possibly as a result of the fact that a road way lied alongside the river

as such Some nitrate enters water from the atmosphere, as nitrogen-containing compounds are

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which derived from automobiles and other sources are carried into the water thereby increasing

nitrate levels.

During the test for phosphate of water sample collected at the different sit location. It was

revealed that At Toms River phosphate levels of were 0.37 Mg was found to be present in the

water, this may be as a result of the animal husbandry practices and sewage which enter the river

from houses . Castleton level of 0.30 Mg of phosphate was recorded, this may be as a result of

the fact that use soap containing phosphate in the water to was there clothing . Broadgate

recorded phosphate levels of0.24, this may be as a result of the use of fertilizers containing

phosphate which enter the water from farms. wag water phosphate levels was 0.16 ,this was as a

result of the presence of a roadway alongside the river, therefore Some phosphate may enters

water from the air, as phosphorous-containing compounds which are derived from vehicles

and other sources are carried into the water as such increasing nitrate levels.

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 Discussion of findings

The first purpose of this internal Assessment was to determine the influence of human activities

on water quality. In carrying out this research it way reveled that human activity had adversely

affected the water present at each site visit through ways such as the overflow of sewage drains

or leakage from a sewer into rivers. At the site location of Toms river the researcher saw

detergents which resulted in chemical being present in water, make it unsafe for not only humans

but animals to drink from the water. Another impact of human activity on water quality is the

release of oils into rivers which was evident at broad gate the introduction of these chemicals

into a stream can come from industry, motor vehicles, or from the poor disposal of domestic

wastes. This was seen at Wag Water River as a road chemical and gases from vehicles entering

river degrading its quality A third major impact of quality by human activity is the introduction

of nutrients stream. This was seen at Toms river due to animal husbandry and sewage and broad

gate due to fertilizers. http://www.lenntech.com/rivers-pollution-quality.htm

The second purpose of this internal assessment was to determine the water quality index and

providence of pollutants of the Wag Water River and immediate surroundings. In carrying out

this research it way reveled that human activity had adversely affected the water present at each

site location it was revealed that nitrate, phosphate and fecal coliform level was present at a high

level indicating poor water quality. Toms river, Castleton and broad gate water quality was very

poor due to the increase in the level of nitrate present due to human activities. The increases in

nitrate causes eutrophication etc (Utah State University2015)

The third purpose of this internal assessment was to investigate the categories and sources of

water pollution. In carrying out this research the researcher found two categories of pollutant;

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point pollution and non point pollution. Point source describes contaminants that enter a

waterway from a single, identifiable source, such as a pipe or ditch. Sources in this category

discovered in this study include discharges of sewage from homes near sit location and factory

waste discharged in rivers. Nonpoint source pollution describes diffuse contamination that does

not originate from a single discrete source. A Sources in this category discovered in this study is

the leaching out of nitrogen compounds from fertilized agricultural lands. Point of source

pollution and non point source pollution both result in segmentation in rivers. Sediment deposits

in rivers can alter the flow of water and reduce water depth. (The Environmental Protection

Agency 2002)

The forth purpose of this internal assessment was to assess water quality parameter; Fecal coli

form, PH of water, Temperature of water, Phosphate and nitrate. In carrying out this research the

researcher it was revealed that fecal coliform level was very high as it was found to be > 1600 at

Toms river for example. High concentrations of feacal coliform suggest the presence of disease-

causing organisms. Fecal coliform indicated the probability of finding pathogenic organisms in a

stream.

A temperature at the different location fluctuates daily and hourly, due to the fact that steams

were smaller size. The sun has much less effect in warming the waters of streams with greater

and swifter flows than of streams with smaller, slower flows. This can be seen as Temperature

for Toms River and Broad gate was both 23C as it was a large steam while at Castleton the

temperature was 29C. And at wag water it was 28C as they were small steam. Deforestation is

one of the major causes of increase in temperature in water Deforestation affect s water quality

by exposed to the suns heat to the water. http://eschooltoday.com/forests/problems-of-

deforestation.html

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 Conclusion

From the finding of this research it can be concluded that Water quality is declining rapidly due

to human activities. Human activities near river at the different site location had impacted the

water quality trough a numerous ways due to factors such as Increasing population growth, rapid

urbanization, discharge of new pathogens and new chemicals from industries and landscape

changes are key factors that contribute to the deterioration of water quality.inaddition to this

water quality Deterioration also exist as a result of increase of sedimentation, climate change,

deforestation, urban growth and. In addition agricultural is another factor affecting Water quality

as organic loading (e.g. sewage), pathogens including viruses in waste streams from humans and

domesticated animals, agricultural runoff and human wastes loaded with nutrients (e.g. nitrates

and phosphates) that give rise to eutrophication and oxygen stress in waterways,.

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 Recommendations

All water sources should be checked at least every two or three years to assure that

significant increases in nitrate, phosphate and fecal coli form are not occurring.
Farmers should use organic fertilizer instead of in organic fertilizer
Landscaping and gardening techniques should be implemented to control storm water

runoff, capture and infiltrate other pollutants washing off impervious surfaces.
Farmers should reduce their use of fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides and use natural

means instead

Lab#1

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Title: water PH and temperature

Aim: To determine the PH of the water samples and the temperature of the different field site.

Apparatus: Test tube, water samples, PH testing strips, PH chart, and thermometer

Method:

1. Test tubes were filled with a small portion of water sample.

2. Ph testing strips were then submerging into water sample for about 10 minutes.
3. Strips were then removed and dried
4. PH strips were then matched to the colors on the PH charts and the level of PJH

was determine
5. Steps 2 and 4 were repeated for the other water samples

Temperature:

1. The temperature of the river at each site visit was recorded by placing a

thermometer into the river

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 Results:

35

30

25

20

Temperatuture 15
and
Temperature
PH 10
PH
5

Location

Discussion:

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Human activities near rives have the potential to cause increase in the temperature of water as

well as the PH level of water. A number of Human activities affecting water temperature such as

the discharge of cooling water or heated industrial effluents, agriculture and deforestation, urban

development that alters the characteristics and path of water runoff, and climate change. The Ph

on the other hand is affected by Polluted precipitation, dumping of pollutants into steams and

mining and quarrying. A water test for temperature and PH level was done on each water

samples collected at each site location. This initial test for temperature and PH level was done to

find out the temperature of water present at each site location and to make assumption to what

may have because temperature and PH level this level of to be so.

Conclusion:

It was evident that human activity had led to a great increase in the temperature and PH level

present in water samples collected at the different location.

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Lab#2

Title: water PH and temperature

Aim: To determine if fecal coli form is present in water sample.

Apparatus water sample, petri dish, ample beaker, membrane filter assemble, sterilized forsceps,

oven, 10 to 15 microscope, gloves

Method:

1. A sterile absorbent pad was placed in a sterile Petri dish using sterilized forceps. The lid

was replaced, after which forceps was dipped in alcohol and flamed in alcohol or Bunsen

burner to sterilize it. The forceps was then left to cool before it was used.

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 2. An m-endo broth was then poured on the ampoule 2 to 3 times to mix the broth. The

ampoule was then break and the contents were poured evenly over the absorbent pad.

Step 1 and 2 were repeated for each Petri dish that was prepared.
3. The membrane filter was set up and assembled; the sterilized forceps was then used to

replace the membrane filter, grid side up, onto the assembly.
4. The sample was left for 30 seconds to mix. 100mL of the sample was then poured into a

funnel and a vacuum was applied. The funnel walls were then rinsed with 20 to 30 ml of

sterile buffered dilution water. The vacuum was the released when filter was dry to

prevent damage.
5. The vacuum was then turned off and the funnel was lifted off. The filter was the

transferred to the previous prepared Petri-dish using sterilized forceps.

Parameter Location Results

Fecal coliform Toms River >1600

MPN/100ML

Fecal coliform Castleton 1600

MPN/100ML

Fecal coliform Broad gate 920

MPN/100ML

Fecal coliform Wag water River 120

MPN/100ML

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 6. The filter was centered on the absorbent pad was checked if air trapped properly. The

Petri-dish lid was replaced after which it was inverted in an incubator at 35 0.5 C for

22 to 24 hours.
7. A 10 to 15x microscope was used to count the red colonies that have a greenish- gold

metallic sheen after incubation.

Result:

Discussion:

Human activities near rives have the potential to contaminate the water supply. Feacal Coli

forms are bacteria that are always present in the digestive tracts of animals, including humans,

and are found in their wastes. Coliform bacteria enter streams of rivers through direct deposition

of waste in the water and runoff from areas with high concentrations of animals. Domesticated

animals contribute heavily to bacterial pollution. Runoff from the land and sewage from houses

may cause an increase in coliform. A water test for feacal Coliform was done on each water

samples collected at each site location. This initial test for feacal Coliform was done to find out

the level at which feacal Coliform existed at the different location and to make assumption to

what may have cause this level of feacal Coliform to be so.

Conclusion:

It was evident that nitrate was present in all water samples collected at the different location

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Lab#3

Title: Water Turbidity

Aim: To determine if nitrate ions are present in the water samples

Apparatus: water samples measuring cylinder, conical flask , Bunsen burner,

tripod stand, wire gauze and Concentrated sulphuric acid.

Method:

1. 10CM3 of water sample was placed into measuring cylinder.

2. Each water sample was placed into a conical flask.
3. The concentrated sulphuric acid was added to water samples and then mixed together.
4. Bunsen burners were lit and mixtures were placed over the heat.
5. The steps of 1 and 2 were repeated for the other water samples.

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Results:

Parameter Location Result

Nitrate Mg/L Toms River 0.44

Nitrate Mg/L Castleton 0.88

Nitrate Mg/L Broadgate 1.32

Nitrate Mg/L Wag water River <0.1

Discussion:

human activities near rives have the potential to contaminate the water supply. Domestic uses

are potential point sources of contamination, such as livestock, facilities such sewage disposal

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areas and cemetery affects water sample by increasing the level of nitrate. Nitrate which describe

any member of either of two classes of compounds derived from nitric, HNO3 is a great treat to

water quality .Depending on the location of rivers in areas where nitrogen fertilizer is applied

nitrate level are very high .Nitrate in water is undetectable without testing because it is colorless,

odorless, and tasteless. A water test for nitrate was done for water samples collected at each site

location. This initial test for nitrate was done to find out the extent at which nitrates was

present at each site location and to make assumption to what may have cause this level of nitrate

to be so.

Conclusion

It was evident that nitrate was present in all water samples collected at the different location.

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Lab#4

Title: Water Turbidity

Aim: To determine if phosphate ions are present in the water samples.

Apparatus: beaker, water samples test tubes, Silver nitrate solution and dilute

nitric acid

Methods:

1. Test tubes were filled with a small potion of each water samples.
2. Small portion of the silver nitrate solution was added to each test tube containing

water samples.
3. Observation was recorded
4. Diluted nitric acid was then added to each mixture and shaken
5. Observation was recorded.

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Results:

Parameter Location Result

Phosphate Mg/L Toms River 0.37

Phosphate Mg/L Castleton 0.30

Phosphate Mg/L Broadgate 0.24

Phosphate Mg/L Wag Water River 0.16

Discussion:

The increase level of phosphorus in rivers due to human activities has many effects on water

quality. A phosphate (PO43) describes an inorganic chemical and a salt of phosphoric acid.

Excessive input of phosphorus result in change of clear, oxygen-rich, good-tasting water into

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cloudy and poor oxygenated water. Phosphates entering rivers from domestic and industrial

waste discharges, natural runoff, and erosion have cause d massive pollution of rivers.

Phosphates which are found in fertilizers and consumer products such as detergent are also a

contributing factor to water pollution. A water test for Phosphate was done for water samples

collected at each site location. This initial test for nitrate was done to find out the extent at

which phosphate was present at the different site location and to make assumption to what may

have cause this level of phosphate to be so.

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Site visit #1

Date: October 29, 2014

Location:Toms RiverSaint Andrew, Jamaica (18 9' 0" North, 76 50' 0" West)

Objectives:

To collect and test water sample

To test PH and temperature of water

To observe how human impact water quality

To observe the different infrastructural development that may affect water quality.

Activity:

Water sample was taken by using sterile container

a thermometer was used to test the temperature of water
The water PH was tested by using indicator paper
The different pollution was observed.
The different impact of human activity on water quality was look at.

Observation:

Cemetery: it was noted that during the researcher site visit to Toms River that there was a

cemetery across from the river.

Pollution: it was evident during the researchers site visit to Toms river that pollutions were

present; there were pollutants such as soap bags and plastic bags.

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Animal husbandry: it was observed at Toms river that a pig form existed adjacent to the river

this was seen as possible source of pollution.

Comment:

During the researchers visit to Toms River it was noticed that a cemeteryexisted across fromthe

river. This cemetery was seen as one of the pollutants thataffect water quality as chemicals from

corpses in cemeteries could easily seep into the Toms river and pollutesit.

At toms river it was also noticed that residents also polluted the water as soap bags was also

evident. These soap bags are a source of pollution as they contain phosphate and nitrate which

lead to eutrophication within the water. Eutrophication which describe the process by which a

body of water acquires a high concentration of nutrients such as phosphates and nitrates which

promote excessive growth of algae. As the algae die and decompose, high levels of organic

matter and the decomposing organisms deplete the water of available oxygen, causing the death

of other organisms

The researcher also saw the forming practice of animal husbandry at Toms river as pig were

being grow at a house located adjacent to the river .Animal husbandrycan negatively affect water

quality through erosion and sediment transport into surface waters, through nutrients from urine

and feces dropped by the animals.

Follow up:

The water sample that was collected at Toms River was taken to the scientific research

council lab for the testing for the presence of nitrate, phosphate and fecal coliform.
the site Toms river was revisited two weeks later to test if conditions persisted

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Site visit #2

Date: October 29, 2015

Location: Castleton gardens (18north, 75west)

Objectives:

To collect and test water sample

To test PH and temperature of water

To observe how human impact water quality

To observe the different infrastructural development that may affect water quality.

Activity:

Water sample was taken by using sterile container

a thermometer was used to test the temperature of water
The water PH was tested by using indicator paper
The different pollution was observed.
The different impact of human activity on water quality was look at.

Observations:

Botanical garden; At Castleton it was noticed that a botanical garden alongside the river; where

plants are grown for scientific study and display to the public.

Large boulders; in the researcher observation to Castleton it was noted that large boulder were

found in the river.

Pollution; it was evident at Castleton that pollution existed as biscuit bags was present at the site.

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Comment:

During the site visit to Castleton Gardens, It was noted that it was a botanical garden.Being a

botanical garden a lot of people visit and take tours of the garden. As a result persons pollute the

river by throwing garbage into it. AtCastleton large boulder were seen in the river; these boulder

found in river is possible a result of rain runoff that carries particles washed off of farms in the

Castleton. Such material contains detritus and other minerals from fertilizer hence resulting in

the formation of boulders and sediment pollution.

Follow up:

The water sample that was collected at Castleton Garden was taken to the scientific

research council lab for the testing for the presence of nitrate, phosphate and fecal

coliform.
Castleton Garden was revisited two weeks later to test if conditions persisted

Site visit #3

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Date: October 29, 2015

Location: Broadgate

Objectives:

To collect and test water sample

To test PH and temperature of water

To observe how human impact water quality

To observe the different infrastructural development that may affect water quality.

Activity:

Water sample was taken by using sterile container

a thermometer was used to test the temperature of water
The water PH was tested by using indicator paper
The different pollution was observed.
The different impact of human activity on water quality was look at.

Observations:

Quarrying; it was observed during the researcher site visit to Broad gate that quarrying take

place, as it was seen where stone were extracted from the BroadgateRiver and placed beside the

road.

Sand mining; it was noted that sand mining took placeat Broadgate as sand was extract from the

river and place into trucks.

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Agriculture; it was observed thatfarmwas locatedadjacent to the river; the farm was seen as a

source of pollution.

Pollution: pollution was observed as old trucks parts and gasoline was also found in the river.

Comment:

Mining and quarrying may disrupt the existing movement of surface water and

groundwater.They also interrupt natural water recharge and can lead to reduced quantity and

quality of drinking water for residents and wildlife near or downstream from a quarry site.

Agricultural development at Broadgate also degrades water quality as farms result in a fertilizers

being transported into water by peculation which negatively affect the PH level and nutrients

found in the water.

Follow up:

The water sample that was collected at Broadgate was taken to the scientific research

council lab for the testing for the presence of nitrate, phosphate and fecal coliform.
Broadgatewas revisited two weeks later to test if conditions persisted.

Site vist#4

Date: October 29, 2015

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Location: Wag water Annatto bay

Objectives:

To collect and test water sample.

To test PH and temperature of water.

To observe how human impact water quality.

To observe any infrastructural development that my affect water quality.

Activity:

Water sample was taken by using sterile container

a thermometer was used to test the temperature of water
The water PH was tested by using indicator paper
The different pollution was observed.
The different impact of human activity on water quality was look at.

Observation:

Pollution; it was observed that pollution existed at Wag Water river as pollutants such as,

old vehicles and plastic was found in the river.

Road way; it was observed that a road way was builtalongside the wag water river
Channelmodulation; it was noted that human activities influence the Wag water river as

the channel of water change to stop water from flooding the road and houses alongside

the river

Comment:

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 It was evident during the researchers visit to Wag water river that pollution existed there as

the researcher saw the old parts of trucks in the water, the researcher also saw gasoline. This

gasoline is harmful to water quality as it is very harmful and kills a great deal of aquatic

animals therefore degrading water quality.

It was also noted at wag water the channel of the water was change by engineering activity.

Channel modulation may have an n

Follow up:

The water sample that was collected at Wag Water Riverwas taken to the scientific

research council lab for the testing for the presence of nitrate, phosphate and fecal coliform.

Wag Water River was revisited two weeks later to test if conditions persisted.

Bibliography

http://www.cerc.usgs.gov/pubs/sedtox/VolumeIII.pdf

http://www.greenfacts.org/en/water-resources/l-3/4-effect-human-actions.htm#0p0

http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/wqg/sri/sediment5.pd

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http://cfpub.epa.gov/npstbx/files/ksmo_sediment.pdf

http://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/watershedinformation/how-do-my-actions-affect-wq

http://www.atlas.keystone.edu/edu/basics/04humanimpacts.htm

http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/circ1139/htdocs/effects_of_human_activities_on_t.htm

http://www.lenntech.com/rivers-pollution-quality.htm

http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/sources-and-causes-of-water-pollution.php

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