A Study of the Effects of Pollutants on the Waters and Sediments of Cruz Bay

Brody, Robert; Grigg, David; Raup, David; Vaneepoel, Robert

The following data are the results of field and laboratory investigations undertaken to assess the state of the marine environment in Cruz Bay, St. John, U. S. Virgin Islands. A number of investigators have collaborated in the assembly and evaluation of this information and their efforts represent somewhat diverse specialties. All of these data are different indicators of the type and extent of man's influence on this locality; as suitable baselines are developed through future work in this and other localities, we will become competent to make some judgments and recommendations aimed at preserving or improving the quality of the environment. The field and laboratory work on the sediments was conducted by D. Raup and J. Adams; the benthic biology by R. Brody and L. Slocum; and the water chemistry and bacteriological sampling by D. Grigg. They were assisted in the field work by M. Stephey and R. vanEepoel. The authors' sincere thanks are due to Mr. Fred Nicholson, Director, Bureau of Public Health Laboratories, V. I. Department of Health, for processing of the bacteriological samples; and to the staff of the Caribbean Research Institute. The scientific data are presented in three sections. Methods for biological, bacteriological and geological parameters are discussed in the first section. Summary descriptions of the numerical and/ or observational data are presented in the second section, with charts and tables in a separate appendix. Interpretation of the data comprises the third section, combined with the integrated recommendations of the several investigators. It is important at this point to define the term pollution as used in this report. We have considered all sources of material of marine and terrestrial origin which are the result of human modifications of the environment as sources of pollutants. This definition includes, but by no means is limited to, the products of domestic sewerage (both storm drains and septic system effluents). Other types of "habitation caused" pollution include organic and inorganic substances introduced by boats and fueling operations and changes in the biota and sediments resulting from propeller wash and wake of boats using the bay. Any changes in the environment resulting in degradation of its natural state must be defined as part of pollution of the environment. It is obvious that continued economic and cultural development of the Virgin Islands are dependent upon a certain level of pollution as defined above, and the existence of water quality criteria recognizes this fact. In this study we have attempted to identify the types of pollution present in Cruz Bay and have made recommendations for maintaining the quality of the environment consistent with its present usage.

A Study of the Effects of Pollutants on the Waters and Sediments of Cruz Bay

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