The Calloway County Eco-Adventurers first test site was on New River Lagoon two miles upstream of San Carlos. The local Belizeans requested that we test these sites to determine how current and past agricultural practices have impacted their water quality. All sites were located at approximately 17 degrees 50' latitude and 88 degrees 40' longitude on the New River Lagoon. The weather was partly cloudy, with a slight breeze. The air temperature was 28 degrees Celsius. The water level was lower than normal, possibly due to little rain during the previous week. The water was a murky green color.
The water in the lagoon is used for swimming, drinking and fishing.
The water temperature was 30 degrees Celsius. On both sides of the
lagoon there was heavy vegetation of plants, trees, grass and shrubs. The land and water appeared to have no
trash present. The results of the six tests performed on the water samples
are listed below.
Dissolved Oxygen 6.6 mg/L pH 8.3 su nitrate less than .25 mg/L iron less than .5 mg/L chlorides 45 mg/L phenols less than .1 mg/L
All of the test results were within limits currently in use in theUnited States. Chlorides were higher than expected at 45 mg/L, but this is possibly due to agricultural run off. The pH level was also higher than expected at 8.3 su, but is within an acceptable range.
Test site 2 was adjacent to the San Carlos Village on the New River Lagoon. San Carlos village is home to approximately 40 families. This lagoon serves as their primary water source. They also use this water for bathing, laundry, restrooms, and recreation. There was no discernible odor detected upon arrival.
The water was clear and tinted dark green. The weather was partly cloudy with a slight breeze from the east. The visible land vegetation included grass, palm trees, deciduous trees, and various bushes and shrubs. The lagoon bank and bottom were both composed of sand.
Dissolved Oxygen 6.8 mg/L pH 8.4 su nitrate less than .25 mg/L iron less than .5 mg/L chlorides 45 mg/L phenols less than .1mg/L
All of the results were within acceptable limits.
This sampling site was located 2 miles North of San Carlos Village downstream on the New River. The water was tinted green and was slightly choppy.
The air and water temperatures were equilibrated at 32 degrees Celcius. The water level of the lagoon was lower than normal due to less than normal rainfall during the previous week. The bank was lined with a variety of different grasses and shrubs. At this site we completed six chemical tests. The results of each test were:
Dissolved Oxygen 6.8 mg/L pH 8.4 su nitrate less than .25 mg/L iron less than .5 mg/L chlorides 45 mg/L phenols less than .1mg/L
All test results were within acceptable limits. We are looking forward to continue our water monitoring in Belize. We have met many individuals interested in our environmental projects. We will be receiving e-mail from the peace corps who are working in our same monitoring sites.
Technology will allow our group to collaborate with other agencies. We are looking forward to testing on the Sittee River on Wednesday!
The first site was at the Mayan Center Village at Cabbage Haul Creek. Upstream of this site were multiple farms. The villagers also did their laundry by hand at this site. The vegetation lining the banks consisted of lush plants. They included vines, cohune palms, Quamwood, cecropia trees and wild figs. In this area, the observed wildlife consisted of water bugs, minnows, and birds.
The temperatures of the water and air were measured. The water temperature was 27?C and the temperature of the air was 27?C. The other tests that were run at this site, along with the results, are as follows:
Dissolved Oxygen 5.6 mg/L pH 6.3 su nitrate less than .25 mg/L iron less than .5 mg/L chlorides 60 mg/L phenols less than .1mg/L
The quality of site 4 at the Mayan Center Village in the Cockscomb Basin was in the acceptable range. Compared to other results the chloride reading was slightly higher due to the fact that the villagers used this site to do their laundry. An empty Chlorox bottle was found at the site along with some wet clothing indicating that laundry had possibly been done earlier that morning.
On Wednesday, July 24, 1996, the Calloway County Eco-Adventurers conducted water testing at the Cockscomb River Basin. The second site tested is called Cabbage Haul Creek. At this site water is pumped to the nearby Mayan Center. the creek is used for drinking, bathing, and other necessities. the weather at this site was sunny with a slight breeze blowing. The air temperature was 28?C and the water temperature was 27?C.
The shore was lined with lush vegetation at this site. No odor was detectable. Six chemical tests were conducted on the water at this site.
The tests and results were as follows:
Dissolved Oxygen 6.6 mg/L pH 6.3 su nitrate less than .25 mg/L iron less than .5 mg/L chlorides 30 mg/L phenols less than .1mg/L
Overall the water quality at test site was within an acceptable range for all tests conducted.
The third site tested was Bull Reef Waterfall, located in the Cockscomb River Basin. The weather was sunny, with very little breeze. The air temperature was 27 degrees Celsius. The water temperature 27 degrees Celsius and clear.
There was a large amount of vegetation surrounding the test site. Two bridges were built across the stream and sandbags were placed along the sides to help prevent erosion. The same six tests were conducted on the water at this site as at the previous two sites.
The results were as follows:
Dissolved Oxygen 7.8 mg/L Iron less than .5 mg/L Phenols less than .1 mg/L Nitrate less than .25 mg/L Chlorides 45 mg/L pH 6.4 su
The quality of the water was in an acceptable range for all tests performed. Dissolved Oxygen slightly higher than in the previous two sites.
Kentucky Water Watch
Program