Improvement in Fresh Pond, Great Salt Pond Faced with Challenges Regarding Salinity and Oxygen Levels
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The Nature Foundation carried out its bi-annual water quality tests on the 11th, 12th & 13th of December at seven sites surrounding St. Maarten. These tests are carried out in order to determine the levels of pollutants and other factors affecting wetlands and beaches on St. Maarten.
Tests were carried out in order to determine Nitrates (which shows that the water is polluted), Phosphates (which shows the presence of Sewage), Nitrogen, Dissolved Oxygen, and the acidity of the water. Tests were carried out on seven sites; Cole Bay Lagoon, Simpson Bay Lagoon, Mullet Pond, Kim Sha Beach, Great Bay Beach, Belair Pond, Fresh Pond, and the Great Salt Pond. The sites of Great Bay Beach and Kim Sha Beach were particularly chosen to test the swimming quality of the beaches.
Caption: Mangroves at the Little Bay Testing Location
It was determined that the sites Cole Bay Lagoon, Kim-Sha Beach, Mullet Pond, and Great Bay had low levels of both phosphates and nitrates in samples tested. Elevated levels of nitrates and phosphates show that there is a presence of various types of pollutants and sewage in wetlands and coastal areas. The highest level was recorded in the Great Salt Pond and indicates lower water quality. Taking this into consideration levels will continuously be monitored by the Nature Foundation.
It was further established that the sites Cole Bay Lagoon, Kim-Sha Beach, Mullet Pond, and Great Bay had low levels of Nitrogen in samples tested. Elevated levels of Nitrogen, caused by pollutants, can cause fish die-offs in wetlands and coastal areas. The highest level was recorded in the Great Salt Pond at .6 ppm, which is a relatively high number and indicates the presence of elevated nitrogen levels. The Nature Foundation will continuously monitor Nitrogen Levels at this site.
Almost all levels of oxygen recorded were at sufficient levels; however the lowest level was recorded in the Great Salt Pond. This site should be closely monitored for a further drop in oxygen levels which may result in fish kills and breeding of airborne insects (i.e. Midges). It must be noted that the water sampled at the Fresh Pond showed increased water quality after the repairing and placement of the Fountains by ROB/VROMI
Despite the fact that many sites showed Low to Medium readings, the Nature Foundation will follow up on a monthly basis during the upcoming months in order to carefully monitor for changes in the respective levels.