Water in the mangrove ecosystems
Cleanliness of the water:
Factories built along Home bush bay often lead to the pollution of Parramatta river. An example of such pollution is the dioxin that was leaked into Parramatta river from a battery factory at Home bush bay. The dictionary definition of dioxin is; "A highly toxic compound produced as a by-product in some manufacturing processes.It is a serious and persistent environmental pollutant." It is evident that this material is detrimental to the environment because it is so toxic, as a result of this contaminant in Parramatta river fishing is prohibited. Test results on the river revealed excessive levels of dioxins in the fish and other organisms in parramatta river and the connected estuaries. A ban was consequently placed on commercial fishing in 2006 to prevent diseases from the consumption of such organisms. Recreational fishing is not prohibited however there are recommendations as to how much of the produce obtained from the river should be consumed if desired (no more than 150 grams per month), otherwise it is suggested that anything caught in Parramatta river should be released.
PH of the water:
The Ph of the water at Home bush was measured at 7 which indicates a neutral water level. This was between the average range of a PH of 6-8.
Turbidity of water:
Turbidity relates to the clarity of water. There are a number of ramifications of having turbid (cloudy/muddy) water, If water is very turbid less light is able to penetrate the waters surface preventing photosynthesis and effecting a number of under water organisms. Highly turbid waters can also effect the visibility of organisms effecting their eating habits and patterns. The turbidity of the water measured at Home bush was 10 NTU which was between the average of below 40 NTU.
Water salinity:
The salt concentration of water is measured in parts per thousand (PPK) with distilled water having a 0 PPK. Water salinity are measured by passing an electric current between two electrodes of a salinity
meter in a sample of water.The PPK that was indicated during this field study was 21.3 PPK and was consequently in the average salinity level range of 15 to 35 PPK.
Factories built along Home bush bay often lead to the pollution of Parramatta river. An example of such pollution is the dioxin that was leaked into Parramatta river from a battery factory at Home bush bay. The dictionary definition of dioxin is; "A highly toxic compound produced as a by-product in some manufacturing processes.It is a serious and persistent environmental pollutant." It is evident that this material is detrimental to the environment because it is so toxic, as a result of this contaminant in Parramatta river fishing is prohibited. Test results on the river revealed excessive levels of dioxins in the fish and other organisms in parramatta river and the connected estuaries. A ban was consequently placed on commercial fishing in 2006 to prevent diseases from the consumption of such organisms. Recreational fishing is not prohibited however there are recommendations as to how much of the produce obtained from the river should be consumed if desired (no more than 150 grams per month), otherwise it is suggested that anything caught in Parramatta river should be released.
PH of the water:
The Ph of the water at Home bush was measured at 7 which indicates a neutral water level. This was between the average range of a PH of 6-8.
Turbidity of water:
Turbidity relates to the clarity of water. There are a number of ramifications of having turbid (cloudy/muddy) water, If water is very turbid less light is able to penetrate the waters surface preventing photosynthesis and effecting a number of under water organisms. Highly turbid waters can also effect the visibility of organisms effecting their eating habits and patterns. The turbidity of the water measured at Home bush was 10 NTU which was between the average of below 40 NTU.
Water salinity:
The salt concentration of water is measured in parts per thousand (PPK) with distilled water having a 0 PPK. Water salinity are measured by passing an electric current between two electrodes of a salinity
meter in a sample of water.The PPK that was indicated during this field study was 21.3 PPK and was consequently in the average salinity level range of 15 to 35 PPK.