Name: Nicholas Mohammed

ID #: 813000768
ESST 3003 Environmental Monitoring & Assessment
Sampling Plan St. Joseph River

Research question
How has the land use of St. Joseph, Trinidad changed over time, and what impact does this
have on the quality of water in the St. Joseph River, presently?

Purpose and Background

The town of St. Joseph is situated along the East-West corridor, approximately 16.1
km east of Port of Spain. Historically, it was the first Spanish settlement, and the capital of
Trinidad. North of St. Joseph, is the Maracas Valley. This watershed provides approximately
80% of the countrys water supply. Before 1970, the major land activity in the area was
mainly agriculture, as local residents would work on the estates there (shown in Figure 1.1).
As time progressed, these estates were divided into smaller plots of land, so the area saw an
increase in residential housing. Data from past studies suggests that the population has
increased by approximately 134%, the amount of buildings erected increased 250%, and road
network abundance has increased by 226%. The loss in net primary cover between the
periods 1970 and 2005 was estimated around 17.5% as well (shown in Figure 1.2). Quarrying
activity, primarily by Coosals, and an exponential increase in the rate of construction and
deforestation has had a negative impact on quality of water in the surrounding river systems.
Heavy transport vehicles and increased traffic have also caused negative impacts on the land,
as there have been an increase in the amount of landslides; supplemented by weakened earth,
from deforestation and quarrying activities, as well as a reduction in the air quality;
particulates from quarrying, and emission fumes from vehicles. Urbanization of the area has
also increased the amount of surface runoff, which would flow into the St. Joseph River.
Traditionally a source of food and recreation, it is now highly contaminated with fecal matter
and dumped garbage (Maracas Valley Action Committee 2010). This study will hence, add to
the past monitoring effort of the Maracas Valley Action Committee for the United Nations
Development program, providing it with recent information.
Around 1987, the Water and Sewage Authority (WASA) constructed two water
treatment plants in Narango and Acono which would be able to treat collected water in the
area. However, there has been a noteworthy decrease in the amount of potable water released
from those plants as of 2015. The design capacity of the plants are 1.5 million gallons per
day, but they are currently operating at half efficiency, indicating staggering inefficiency
(Gonzales 2015). As such, this study may be in the interest of WASA, to potentially use the
findings in increasing the amount of potable water in the area, the residents of Maracas, St.
Joseph, who may suffer adverse health effects eventually due to the degradation of the health
of their environment, the Maracas Valley Action Committee as a follow-up to their 2010
pg. 1

report for the United Nations Development Program, and the government of Trinidad and
Tobago, in establishing a need to regulate the primary economic activities as well as develop
new laws and enforce existing ones, to aid in attaining sustainable development goals.

Objectives and Project Description

The study will seek to quantify the levels of various parameters in the St. Joseph River;
temperature (C), pH, Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L), Total Suspended Solids (mg/L), Total
Dissolved Solids (mg/L), Total Nitrates (mg/L), Total Phosphates (mg/L), Total Sulfates
(mg/L), Conductivity (s) and Stream Flow Rate (km/h), Turbidity and Fecal Coliform. The
surrounding air quality will also be evaluated by measuring the parameters; Carbon
Monoxide concentration, Particulate Matter and Sulfur Dioxide concentration in the air. This
quantification will raise awareness of the levels of pollution in the watershed and surrounding
air, so that mitigation plans may be developed.
To develop this study, the questions that must be resolved are;
-

What is the level of water pollution in the St. Joseph River, and is it significant?
What is the level of air pollution in St. Joseph, caused by quarrying, and is it
significant?
Does a linear relationship exist between population growth and the various pollution
parameters?

The information needed to support these decisions will be copies of the Trinidad Air and
Water Pollution Rules, respectively, census data informing us of the population in the St.
Joseph area over the years and laboratory results of the various air and water parameters,
finalized.
In order to do achieve these goals, 5 different points will be strategical chosen along the St.
Joseph River. One which is representative of the influent flow into the system, one showing
the levels of effluent flow out of the watershed, and three points in between the river length
that are adjacent to disturbed areas shown in figure 1.2. 5 replicate samples will be taken, and
put on ice to preserve them, and then taken back to a laboratory for chemical analysis,
utilizing water testing kits, and spectrometers. The air will also be monitored at these points,
using an Impinger and the Multi-Rae Plus Gas Monitor.
Descriptive and Exploratory analysis will be employed in addition, to explain what all the
results mean, and general trends extrapolated to explain what may possibly happen in the
future. A comparison of the water and air parameters will then be done to the Trinidad and
Tobago Water and Air Pollution Rules, respectively, to show how much deviation exists from
the legislative standards. Finally, previous data on water quality tests will be obtained, and
the means of different time intervals will be used to construct data sets. Several multiple
linear regression models will then be developed using the datasets, so as to test if each
parameter for pollution is a significant prediction of population increase; ie, does a
relationship exist between increasing population increase and increased pollution over time?
The models will be manipulated with statistical software in order to ensure they are
parsimonious in nature.

pg. 2

Site Descriptions
WASAs water works in Acono and Lluengo is an important source of water to the
Maracas/St. Joseph area. Quarries may increase sedimentation of the river, as well as increase
its turbidity, while urbanization near the river has resulted in increased surface runoff as well
as effluents from municipal sources into the stream. This is a threat to the ecological value of
the river in terms of biodiversity endangerment, and sustainable recreational use.

Table showing sites chosen for monitoring (T1)

Site (With reference to

figure 1.3)

Co-ordinates

103939N
612451W
103930N
612431W
103921N
612431W
103914N
612441W
103858N
612441W

2
3
4
5

Reason for Selection

Depictive of chemical and sediment

inflow into river from valley
Depictive of effluent from residential
sources
Depictive of effluent from residential
sources
Depictive of Municipal effluent and
residential effluent mixture
Depictive of chemical outflow from
system

Five points should be sufficiently representative of the state of the St. Joseph River, as the
points encompass a fairly even spread, where effluents may be measured effectively. Flow
rates should also be negligible in hindering the results because of this spread. The sites
chosen are also accessible to the general public.

Analytes and Field Measurements

Lab Samples Table (T2)

Parameter
(fraction)

Container

Preservation
Holding Time

Lab Method

Lab
Reporting
Limit

Applicable
Standard or
Other
Criteria

Turbidity

Sterilized
glass bottle

Up to 6
hours

Spectrophotomete
r analysis

Fecal
Coliform

Sterilized
glass bottle

Up to 5
hours

Membrane Filter
analysis

To be
obtained
from
equipment
N/A

Total

Sterilized

Up to 6

Hach Ascorbic

To be

>100
counts per
100 ml
>0.1 mg/L
pg. 3

Phosphates

glass bottle

hours

acid method

obtained
from
equipment

Field Samples Table (T3)

Parameter

Equipment

Equipment
Accuracy &
Range

Comments

Applicable
Standard or
Other Criteria

Water Parameters
Temperature

Chloride

pH
Dissolved
Oxygen
Total Nitrates
Total
Suspended
Solids
Total Dissolved
Solids
Conductivity
Stream Flow

YSI MultiHigh accuracy

parameter Probe sensor, -5 to
105 degrees
Celsius
YSI MultiHigh accuracy
parameter Probe sensor, 0 1000
mg/L
YSI MultiHigh accuracy
parameter Probe sensor, 1 - 14
YSI MultiHigh accuracy
parameter Probe sensor, 0 50
mg/L
YSI MultiTo be obtained
parameter Probe from equipment
YSI MultiTo be obtained
parameter Probe from equipment

+ / - 3 degrees
Celsius from
ambient

>250 mg/L

Less than 6 or
greater than 9
<4 mg/L

>0.01

>15 mg/L

YSI Multiparameter Probe

YSI Multiparameter Probe
DWYER Flow
Meter

To be obtained
from equipment
0 100 mS/cm

To be obtained
from equipment

Air Parameters
Carbon
Monoxide/ 15
mins
Particulate
Matter Size
(long term)
Sulfur
Dioxide(long
term)

Multirae Plus
Monitor

To be obtained
from equipment

>100000 ug/m3

MiniVol
Portable
Sampler
Multirae Plus
Monitor

High accuracy,
10, 2.5
micrometers.
To be obtained
from equipment

>50ug/m3 ,
>15ug/m3

>50ug/m3

pg. 4

Reasons for choices;

The choice of parameters selected for T2. Were because;
-

The coliform would need 2 -3 days to grow

The spectrometer is a sensitive piece of equipment that is safer in the lab, also it needs
electricity to function which is difficult to provide in the field
Phosphate test should be done in the lab because Bunsen burners and beakers are
required to properly test phosphate presence after adding reagent

The choice of parameters selected for T3. Were because;

All readings can be measured on the spot with two highly portable pieces of equipment, so it
is impractical and futile to bring samples back to the lab.
The detection limits of the equipment could only be obtained for some equipment, due to
information constraints. However, based on obtained data, and standards from the Air and
Water pollution rules, it will be possible to measure on site. Quality control measures will be
ensured, that is, all equipment will be calibrated, and sterilized before each reading is taken,
and will be taken in replicates with the mean recorded to ensure accuracy. The proper
procedure to use the equipment will be applied based on provided instructions. Overall, the
equipment and laboratory techniques should be able to yield reliable results.
Checklist;
-

Chain of custody forms

Field notebook
Pens
Ice
Cooler
Sample bottles
Flow meter
Mini Vol. Portable Sampler
Multi-Rae Plus Gas Monitor
YSI multi-parameter monitor
Water testing reagents
Distilled water
Meter Rule
First Aid Kit
Stopwatch

pg. 5

Other Field Documentation

Example field form (T4)

Name:
Date:
Location:
Weather
Conditions

25.09.15

26.09.15

27.09.15

28.09.15

29.09.15
(Assume as
today)

Site 1
Activities &
Land Use
Stream Flow
Sample ID
Sample
Depth
Sample Time
Collected
Sample
Collected by;
Site 2 - 6
Same as
above ~
Equipment
Issues
Sources of
error during
sampling
Protocol
modification
s
Signature

pg. 6

Monitoring Frequency and Conditions

Site

Analytes

All aforementioned

2~6

All aforementioned

Frequency Monitored
5 readings per site, 5 days /
week for three months in the
dry season and three months
during the wet season.

Trinidad and Tobago has two climatic seasons. The dry season lasts from January to May and
the wet season lasts from June to December, approximately. Due to the change in discharge
volume and velocity that may exist, the test will be conducted for three months during the
wet season, and three months during the dry season, respectively, in order to represent the
watershed system in its entirety, and to evaluate if disparities in the measured analytes exist,
due to the change in precipitation, flow volume, and velocity.
The weather will be monitored during these times, to ensure that the sampler is not in any
immediate danger originating from weather conditions. Five samples at each site denoted in
figure 1.2 will be taken, and then the overall mean recorded, in order to obtain an accurate
representation of the measured parameter.

Field Protocols
Temperature, Chloride, pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Total Nitrates, Total Suspended Solids, Total
Dissolved Solids and Conductivity are to be measured with the YSI Multi Parameter probe
should be calibrated as described in its instruction handbook. To take readings, the probe
should first be washed with distilled water, and pat dried with a wipe. The power is then
turned on, and the appropriate mode is selected, based on what parameter is to be measured,
using the mode button. The probe should then be gently introduced into the stream, at a depth
of approximately 30 cm. The probe should be held steady, and caution should be taken that it
does not touch the riverbed. 60 seconds should be given as time for the readings to stabilize,
and when the reading appears steady, it is recorded. The probe is then removed gently,
washed with distilled water, dried, and a second sample taken, until all 5 are obtained, and the
mean found and recorded.
To use the flow meter, ensure that it is first calibrated, using its respective instruction manual.
A depth check should then be done in the river, using the meter rule. The flow meter should
subsequently be lowered to 60% of the depth, on average, and held steady for about one
minute. The flow rate is then recorded. 5 samples should be taken, and the average found and
also recorded.
The Multirae-plus Monitor is able to measure Carbon monoxide and Sulfur Dioxide. The
system is first turned on, and calibrated using the method specified in its instruction manual.
The mode is then selected, which correlates to the parameter to be tested. The cap is removed
pg. 7

from the probe, and the probe is held steady in the test area, for approximately two minutes
and the value recorded.
The Minivol Portable monitor is able to measure particulate matter sizes or 10, 5 and 2.5
micrometers. The device is first switched on and calibrated using the instructions in its
manual. The sampler is then equipped with the size of impactor which correlates to the size of
particles to be tested. Ensuring that the filter attached is of good quality, samples can then be
taken by placing the device on a flat, steady surface and activating it.

Quality Assurance and Control

The equipment to be used are the YSI Multi-Parameter probe, the flow meter, the Multiraeplus Monitor and the Minivol Portable monitor. They will measure the parameters identified
in T3. In order to ensure their proper function, they will be sent for maintenance prior to the
sampling exercise, tested before the actual trips, and pre-calibrated to ensure quality data.
Samples must also be collected to be sent back to the lab in order to measure phosphorus,
turbidity and total fecal coliform. These samples will be placed in glass bottles, sterilized by
acid washing, and placed on ice for a maximum of 6 hours before it gets to the laboratory for
analysis. Numbers will be written on the cap of the bottle, and the corresponding number
will be recorded on a sample data sheet to negate any chance of not being able to identify
what each sample is representative of. The appropriate chain-of-custody forms will be filled
out at each step, from when the samples are taken, to when they are handed over, and
analyzed.
In the laboratory, since it is not certified, instrument blanks, field blanks, trip blanks, and
method blanks will all be taken as quality control samples, in order to validate the integrity of
the obtained results.
Two instrument blanks will be taken through the instrumental steps in the lab, in order to
determine any instrument contamination.
Two field blank of deionized water would have been be prepared, and taken to the site, as
well as exposed to sampling conditions, and returned with the rest of the samples, in order to
compare the samples to determine any contamination at the analysis stage.
Two trip blanks which would have been prepared prior to the trip, free of the analyte, kept
unexposed to field conditions, and transported with the sampling containers in order to
determine any abnormalities occurring at the transportation stage.
Two method blanks which are free of the analyte will be carried through the complete sample
preparation, and analytical procedure in order to document any possible contamination at
those stages.
All laboratory equipment and apparatus will also be calibrated before use, and sterilized
where necessary, and the working area sanitized with 70% alcohol.
Any abnormalities will be documented.

pg. 8

The waste will be collected in a collection flask and disposed of appropriately by a laboratory
technician. The same technician will also ensure that all used apparatus are sterilized and
secured after use.
The personnel who will handle the apparatus are final year undergraduate students of the
University of the West Indies, who are competent, and familiar with standard laboratory
procedure, and using analytical equipment, with approximately two years of experience.

Data Processing Quality

Field form T4. Shows an example of the data sheet that encompasses fields to record data that
is site specific. There is also a field in which the person recording the data places their
signature, so the source can always be tracked. The group will designate a different person at
random, for each site, in order to do data entry, while the other 4 persons conduct the
practical field work. This way, each person is exposed to all different aspects of the job.
Photographs will also be taken of the site, so that observational inferences can be made to
unify what is measured, and what is seen. This would give a holistic view of what is
occurring in the watershed. Tools like Google Earth will also provide satellite imagery to
supplement this activity, as seen in figure 1.3. In conducting the study, the checklist proposed
under Analytes and Field Measurements will be utilized to increase the level of
preparedness for the trip.
Data quality is imperative to the overall study as it is needed to make meaningful
conclusions. Data will only be accepted if the equipment is calibrated properly, and the
proper procedure for using them is followed, as outlined under Field Protocol. Duplicate,
blank and split results are indicative of some type of error. In this case, to ensure data validity,
the questionable results will be discarded, and new ones obtained by re-sampling the sites,
carefully. In the event that duplicated, split or blank results are once more obtained, a mention
of this must be made in the final report, as well as the T4. Form, in order to try to solve the
source of the inconsistency. During the data taking process, the group leader will ensure that
the data was obtained in a methodologically sound manner, and will oversee the person
taking data results to ensure no errors are made. A stop-watch will also be used to ensure that
the probes are left to stabilize for the minimal required time as well.
The data analysis methods which will be used for this study are descriptive and exploratory in
nature. This means that the results will be thoroughly interpreted, and a general trend will be
pinpointed, to possibly predict future situations if the water basin is not monitored regularly
and plans are implemented by the government to improve the quality of the environment. The
statistical manipulation that will be done is Multiple Linear Regression. Regression models
will be developed, and each parameter will be tested, in order to establish links between an
increase in population, and an increase in the measured pollution parameters, assuming that
pollution is not regulated at all. The formation of the datasets for this statistical test will be
obtained over the course of the study using quality data to ensure that the results are
meaningful. Multiple results which are correlated would be indicative of a successful study.
The models will be parsimoniously developed using the statistical software R, to ensure
accuracy and applicability. ISO 8000 data quality standards will be applied to the study. In
essence, each data set will contain reference to a syntax to which the dataset complies, all
data element values will reference all concepts necessary to unambiguously define its
pg. 9

meaning, and each dataset will contain reference to the data requirement statement to which
the dataset complies, which helps to maintain accuracy, and sensibility of data (ECCMA
2015). The reference material that will used to compare obtained results will be the Water and
Air Pollution rules of Trinidad and Tobago. Some pollution limits are identified in T2 and T3
respectively. If they are exceeded, then the Environmental Management Authority should be
notified in order to enforce the legislature which protects air and water quality, and
implement measures in place that will mitigate the situation, as well as fine any major
polluters. Standard exceedances will result in verification monitoring, so that solid and
irrefutable proof of the situations existing is true, and all supporting data is sound, integritywise, so this would hasten the process of a mitigation plan by the relevant authorities.

Field Safety
The sampling team will be equipped with a first aid kit, vehicle repair equipment, and fresh,
potable water sufficient for each individual.
No personal should engage in activities which can put themselves, or their colleagues at risk.
Knowledge of the environment to be sampled is important as well, whether this involves
working under extremes, making contact with water, unstable terrain, height hazards, wild
animal hazards, toxic chemicals or plants in the sample area, and other such potential
dangers. Each person should also have a copy of the safety plan.
Nearby medical care centers;
Mt. Hope Medical Complex, Uriah Butler Highway, Cham Fleurs (1-868-645-2640)
Medical Associates Hospital, Albert & Abercromby Street, St. Joseph (1-868-662-2788)

Staff Expertise & Training Needs

In order to maintain competency utilizing the equipment required in this study, the personnel
would need to have a short course, reiterating how they are used, as well as be given a chance
to read the manual, calibrate them, and test simulation samples.
The staff would also need to be knowledgeable in basic first aid, emergency response and
field safety practices. A short course on this is given by the CTS College in Port-of-Spain,
spanning three days. In addition to this, each person would need to have a copy of the
monitoring protocol, sample plan and quality assurance plan, in advance, so that they may
become intimate with the proposal, and understand what is required of them. This preparation
should ready the staff for the exercise, appropriately.

Flow Chart
pg. 10

Conceptualizing
project, objectives,
scope, etc

Evaluating
fundamental
requirements
Project Site
Description
Documentation and
Monitoring plans

Quality control plan

development

Risks and Security

evaluation

Budget Resource and

staffing requirements,
necessary purchases and
acquisitions
Communication with funder,
appropriate pre-testing, and
training of personnel done

Field protocol and

safety plan
development
Approval?

No

Adjust

Yes

Continue with
executing
process

Appendix
(Figure 1.1) Past Map of Maracas/St. Joseph River showing Land use
pg. 11

(Figure 1.2) Map of Maracas/St. Joseph River showing Land use

(Figure 1.3) Map of Maracas/St. Joseph River showing Sampling Points

pg. 12

References
Commitee, Maracas Valley Action. 2010. "United Nations Development Program." July.
Accessed September 28, 2015. http://maracasvalley.org/MVAC/Docs/Volume%201.pdf.
ECCMA. 2015. "ISO 8000." Feburuary 2. Accessed September 28, 2015.
http://www.eccma.org/iso8000/iso8000home.php.
Gonzales, Gyasi. 2015. "Wharf Trace residents in water woes protest." Trinidad Express.
June 15. Accessed September 28, 2015.
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150615/news/wharf-trace-residents-in-water-woes-protest.

pg. 13