The main parameters indicating degraded river health in the Tuamarina River are:
Parameter | Reason for monitoring |
| Macroinvertebrates (MCI and ASPM values) | Macroinvertebrates
are insects and other soft-bodied animals that can be seen with the naked eye.
The type of Macroinvertebrates found provide an indication of overall stream
health as sensitive species will disappear when streams are polluted.
It
should be noted, however, that due to the presence of the Para Swamp and the
morphology of the lower river, macroinvertebrate numbers are likely to be
naturally lower.
|
Water Clarity | Water clarity/turbidity is a measure for sediment in the water. Fine sediment affects the growth of aquatic insects and fish. When the sediment settles on the riverbed, it smothers habitats and degrades food sources. Reduced water clarity also impacts on the recreational values of rivers.
|
Dissolved Reactive Phosphorus | These are the forms of Phosphorus that are easily taken up by plants. High concentrations lead to excessive algae growth, which impacts aquatic habitat quality and oxygen levels.
|
Dissolved Oxygen | Aquatic animals and plants require oxygen to survive. Low oxygen levels can lead to stress and ultimately death among aquatic life. Warmer water can dissolve less oxygen than cooler water, making oxygen stress more prevalent during summer months. Low dissolved oxygen levels can also result from the decomposition of organic materials such as leaf litter and animal droppings.
|
Table 1: Parameters indicating degraded water quality in Tuamarina River.
