904R71105
A STUDY OF COASTAL WATER QUALITY IN THE
VICINITY OF SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO, JANUARY
l3 - 3 I, 1971
Environmental Protection Agency
Athens, Georgia
February I 9 7l
"A
DISTRIBUTED BY:
National Technical Information Service
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield Va. 22151
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A STUDY OF COASTAL WATER QUALITY
IN THE VICINITY OF
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO
JANUARY 13-31, 1971
Environmental Protection Agency
Water Quality Office
Southeast Water Laboratory
Technical Services Program
Athens, Georgia
February 1971
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page No.
INTRODUCTION 1
SUMMARY OF WATER QUALITY STANDARDS VIOLATIONS 3
Dissolved Oxygen 3
pH 4
Temperature 4
Bacteria 4
Oil and Solids 4
RECOMMENDATIONS 6
SURVEY METHODS 8
WASTE SOURCES 12
STUDY RESULTS 3 3
Chemical and Physical Data 13
Bacteriological Study 25
Sediment Characteristics 34
Plankton 38
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LIST OF TABLES
Number Title Page No.
I Sampling Stations - San Juan Bay, San Jose
Lagoon, and Martin Pena Canal 10
II Summary of Chemical and Physical Data, Regular
Sampling Stations 15
III Dissolved Oxygen and Temperature Data, San Juan
Bay Navigational Channel 22
IV Chemical and Physical Data, Condado Lagoon and
San Juan Bay Tributaries 23
V Total Organic Carbon Concentrations, San Juan
Bay 24
VI Bacteriological Sampling Stafion Locations ... 26
VII Total Coliform Concentrations In Condado Lagoon . 30
VIII Feral Coliform Concentrations in Condado Lagoon . 31
IX Total Coliform Concentrations at Beachfront
Locations 32
X Fecal Coliform Concentrations at Beachfront
Locations 33
XI Sedimunt Analyses, San Juan Bay 36
XII Plankton Data 40
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LIST OF FIGURES
Number Title Following Page
1 Sampling Locations Rear of report
2 Tidal Cycles and Sampling Schedule, San Juan
Bay & Coastal Waters 11
3 Dissolved Oxygen Summary 14
4 Dissolved Oxygen Summary 14
5 Coliform Concentrations, Condado Lagoon ... 31
6 Coliform Concentrations, San Juan Beaches . . 33
•TT
'
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INTRODUCTION
A water quality Investigation in the coastal environs of the greater
San Juan, Puerto Rico, area was conducted during the period January 13-31,
1971. This investigation was conducted by th*» Technical Services Program,
Southeast Region, Environmental Protection Agency in cooperation with
Puerto Rico's:
• Environmental Quality Board,
• Department of Health, and
• Department of Public Uorks.
The use of personnel, facilities, and equipment from these three Commonwealth
agencies made the study possible. The Environmental Quality Board participated
in the complete study from the planning phase through sampling and laboratory
analysis.
\J
The primary purpose of the study was to document the extent of water
pollution in the San Jucn area with particular reference to violations of
Puerto Rico's Coastal Water Quality Standards. Pollution problems have
been reported for many years by various agencies and individuals.
San Juan Bay, Martin Pena Canal, and San Jose Lagoon are classified
for industrial use in the Standards. Water Quality criteria for this
classification Include:
• a mmimuji dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration of 4.5 mg/1,
• a maximum temperatore of 93°F or no more than 4°F above
ambient, and
• a pH between 6.8 and 8.5.
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2
The Condado Lagoon and the oceanfrc.nt beaches in the San Juan area are
clarified for swimming and other water contact recreation. Criteria in this
caae include:
• a minimum dissolved oxygen of 5.0 mg/1
• a median total colitortn limit (see Bacteriological discussion for
detail).
Both use classifications prohibit floating solids, settleable solids,
oils, and sludge deposits which are readily visible and attributable to
waste discharges.
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SUMMARY OF WATER QUALITY STANDARDS VIOLATIONS
3
DISSOLVED OXYGEN
1) Analyses of samples taken In upper San Juan Bay showed DO
violations:
• in 41% of all samples taken,
« in 58% of samples taken between 4:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., and
o in 67% of samples taken near the bottom of the navigational
channel (adjacent to regular sampling stations).
2) In the lower bay, water quality was much better, but DO
violations still occurred:
o in 25% of samples taken near the bottom of the San Antonio
Channel, and
« in 36% of all samples taken and in 80% of samples taken
between 4:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. at Station l£-8 (near
Catano).
3) One-fourth of the samples from Condado Lagoon had DO concentrations
less than 5.0 mg/1.
4) Martin Pena Canal and San Jose Lagoon samples showed DO
concentrations varying from supersaturation (up to 30 mg/1 in
San Jose Lagoon) to zero. Zero DO's occurred regularly at depths
greater than seven feet in the lagoon, and on cloudy days DO
approached zero at the surface. Anaerobic conditions in Martin
Pena Canal are the rule rather than the exception.
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4
PH
1) The pH was greater than 8.5 in 63% of the samples from San Jose
Lagoon.
2) It was also greater than 8.5 In samples from Martin Perfa Canal,
TEMPERATURE
1) Cooling water discharges from the Palo Seco thermal power plant
caused temperatures to exceed 93°F at the mouth of the Bayamon
River.
BACTERIA (See BACTERIOLOGICAL discussion)
1) Numerous violations in Condado Lagoon and at certain oceanfront
beaches.
OILS AND SOLIDS
1) Oily discharge entering Condado Lagoon from Miramar side on
January 13, 1971.
2) An oil slick 15 feet by 200 feet observed in San /uan Bay
near the Array Terminal on January 13, 1971. Also floating
and settleable solids and a brown film over half the upper
bay on same date.
3) January 18, 1971--an oil slick, tons of floating debris,
and a brown scum extending from Puerto Nuevo Channel to
Point Catano in upper San Juan Bay.
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5
4) January 19, 1971--visible floating solids and a brown film
over half the upper bay. Gas bubbles from decomposing sludge
deposits observed in the vicinity of the Puerto Neuvo sewage
treatment plant outfall.
5) Sludge deposits at least 12 feet thick were found throughout
upper San Juan Bay.
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6
RECOMMENDATIONS
As mentioned previously, the primary purpose of the study reported
here was to document violations of Puerto Rico's Coastal Water Quality
Standards in the San Juan area. The violations were numerous and the
causes equally numerous:
e untreated municipal waste discharges from unsewered areas
e untreated municipal waste discharges from sewered areas
e inadequately treated waste discharges from waste treatment
plants
• untreated industrial waste discharges
0 wastes from vessels and wat<»rcra*t
• solid waste disposal practices whlc'w allow floating material
to enter coastal waters
• broken and overloaded sewers
• clandestine sanitary connections to storm sewers
• erosion caused by poor construction practices.
Rather than being a noisome example of poor waste handling practices,
the San Juan coastal waters can and should be upgraded to the esthetically
pleasing and useful resource that they are capable of being. To list all
the measures required to attain upgrading is a more comprehensive endeavor
than is intended in this study. A program for water quality management
throughout Puerto Rico is being developed at this time by the San Juan
office of the Environmental Protection Agency.
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7-4
The recommendation of this study is that all the water quality data
contained herein be used by regulatory agencies to add impetus and a sense
of urgency to an exemplary water quality control program for San Juan.
This impetus should take the form of enforcement if necessary.
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7-8
January 13, 1971
An Oil Slick 15'x200' in the
Vicinity of the Army Terminal Area
January 22, 1971
Oil in the Mosquito Control Canal
75' Before Mixing in San Juan Bay
January 1971
Operational Site of EPA Mobile Lab
Southeast Shore of Condado Lagoon
Adjacent to Power Company
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8
SURVEY METHODS
Coastal water sampling stations were established in:
• San Juan Bay,
• Martin Pena Canal,
• San Jose Lagoon,
• Condado Lagoon, and
• the oceanfront beach areas from Old San Juan to Balneario
Isla Verde.
A description of sampling stations in the first three areas is found in
Table I. Stations in Condado Lagoon and along the beaches were established
primarily for bacteriological studies and are described in a later section.
Figure 1 (rear of report) shows the study area and location of all sampling
stations.
Coastal water stations were sampled fiom January 13-22, 1971. !.n
San Juan Bay, Martin PerTa Canal, and San Jose Lagoon, samples were taken
near surface and bottom and analyzed for temperature, DO and pH. MultipLe
samples were taken during the day to show diurnal DO, temperature, and pH
variation. Some samples were taken in these areas for total plankton
determinations and total organic carbon analyses.
At the Condado Lagoon and beachfront stations, surface samples were
taken and examined for total and fecal coliform density and in some cases
for the presence of Salmonella.
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9
Most water samples were analyzed in a mobile laboratory stationed on
the banks of the Condado Lagoon. Some samples were returned for analysis to
the Southeast Water Laboratory in Athens, Georgia.
On January 20, sediment core samples were taken at selected stations
in upper San Juan Bay, frozen and shipped to the Southeast Water Laboratory.
There, analyses for chemical oxygen demand, total organic nitrogen, and
total phosphorus were made.
Tidal variations during sampling r
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10
TABLE I
SAMPLING STATIONS - SAN JUAN_ BAY,
SAN JOSE LAGOON, AND MARTIN PENA CANAL
San Juan Bay (Upper Bay)
UB-2 Near the mouth of Martin Pena Canal, 75' southwest of Channel
Marker 6 (5 ft. depth).
UB-3 At the mid-point of a triangle formed by stations UB-4, UB-11,
UB-10 (12 ft. depth).
UB-4 Midway between Graving Dock Channel Marker 3 and the shoreline
adjacent to the U.S. Navy docking area (16 ft. depth).
UB-5 Channel Marker 13 adjacent to Deep Draft Anchorage Basin across
from Isla Grande Airport (30 ft. depth).
UB-6 Adjacent-to Army Terminal Channel Marker 2 across from Point
Catano (IS ft. depth).
UB-7 Adjacent Xo Army Terminal Channel Marker 5 (8 ft. depth).
UB-8 Midway between Army Terminal Channel Marker 6 and the shoreline
(8 ft. depth).
UB-9 Adjacent to Army Terminal Turning Basin Marker 9 (6 ft. depch).
UB-10 Adjacent to Puerto Neuvo Channel Marker 3 (5 ft. depth).
UB-11 Adjacent to Puerto Neuvo Channel Marker 5 (5 ft. depth).
San Juan Bay (Lower Bay)
LB-1 Midway between Highway 26 bridge and Sea/Land dock at midpoint
of San Antonio Channel (35 ft. depth).
LB-2 San Antonio Channel, midway on a line of sight from Pier #5 and
a 25 ft. flashing red tower on Isla Grande (32 ft. depth).
LB-3 Midway between Channel Marker 11 and the shoreline of La Puntilla
Point (20 ft. depth).
LB-4 50 yards offshore from the Governor's Palace (7 ft. depth).
LB-5 Adjacent to Anegado Channel Marker 8 (15 ft. depth).
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11 -A
LB-6 300 yards out from the mouth of the Bayamon Rive^ (6 ft. depth).
LB-8 75 yards north of a privately-maintained marker Just offshore from
Catano (10 ft. depth).
LB-9 At the 25 ft. quick-flashing white beacon platform midway between
the Catano ferry landing and La Puntilla Point (15 ft. depth).
San Jose Lagoon and Martin Pena Canal
SJ-1 200 yards upstream from Suare£ Canal (12 ft. depth).
SJ-2 250 yards upstream from recently cut canal through mangrove area
on east end of San Jose Lagoon (3 ft. depth).
SJ-3 The center of the east end of San Jose Lagoon (4.5 ft. depth).
SJ-4 Directly across from Isla Guachinango, 50 ft. from the noi"heast
shoreline (15 ft. depth).
SJ-5 Near the mouth of Martin Pena Canal adjacent to Isla Guachinango
(5 ft. depth).
SJ-6 At mouth of Los Corozos section of Lagoon (6 ft. depth).
SJ-7 Upper northwest corner of Los Corozos section (4.5 ft. Hepth).
SJ-8 Adjacent to junction of canals draining from the airport and the
Los Angeles residential district (8 ft. depth).
MP-1 Ponce de Leon bridge over Martin Pena Canal (2.5 ft. depth).
MP-2 Barbosa Drive bridge over Martin Pena Canal (2.5 ft. depth).
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FIGURE 2
TIDAL CYCLES AND SAMPLING SCHEDULE
SAN JUAN BAY 8 COASTAL WATERS
JANUARY 13-22,1971
Son Juan Boy
r—» r—»
Son Juon Boy
r—
0429
Son Juon Boy
r—i
IIIO 1540
SAMPLING TIMES
Soa Jost a Mot? in Pens
0949
14)0
0605
1149
Ul
Ul
u.
05
MEAN
LOW
WATER
00
-0.5
2400
1200
2400
1200
2400
1200
2400
1200
2400
1200
2400
13 14 15 16 17
JANUARY
Son Juon Boy Seflinnnti
OSJO 1200
SAMPLING TIMES
Son Juon Boy
iioo
oeso
1900
0300
0500
I JO
iii 0.5
u.
MEAN
LOW
WATER
OjO
-05
2400
1200
2400
1200
2400
1200
2400
1200
2400
1200
2400
16 19 20 21 22
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12
WASTE SOURCES
Because of the large number of separate waste dischargers — municipal,
Federal, Commonwealth, and industrial —- in the San Juan region, no attempt
was made to sample each waste source during this survey. An inventory is
being made and effluents sampled under the direction of the Environmental
Protection Agency's Planning Office in San Juan. Tc date, the inventory
has identified 75 industries with separate waste discharges. Most of these
have little or no treatment prior to discharge. In addition to industry,
there are numerous outfalls from urban areas discharging untreated waste
>
at various points around the shoreline or Into the tributaries of San Juan
Bay. The large Puerto Nuevo primary sewage treatment plant serves much of
the San Juan area. This plant is overloaded and is a major contributor to
pollution of upper San Juan Bay.
The major waste sources in the area Include but are not limited to:
• raw or inadequately treated wastes from municipal sewerage and
sewage treatment systems,
• Corona brewery,
• Caribbean Culf Corporation,
• Bacardi'Corporation (discharge to ocean),
• Old San Juan Distilling (discharge to ocean),
• Federal facilities, and
t vessels docked in the bay.
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13-A
STUDY RESULTS
CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL DATA
Dissolved oxygen, temperature, and pH data are summarized in Tables II
through IV. Total organic carbon concentrations in San Juan Bay are listed in
Table V.
Generally, all the data collected showed degraded water quality in
upper San Juan Bay, Martin Pena Canal, and San Jose Lagoon. Septic
'conditions were conmon in these areas. The lower bay quality was generally
satisfactory, although DO concentrations less than 4.5 mg/1 were found at
Station LB-8 near Catano and in bottom water samples from the San Antonio
Channel. Limited sampling in Condado Lagoon revealed two violations of the
5.0 mg/1 DO criteria for this water body (Table IV). Figures 3 and 4
clearly indicate tne DO levels throughout the study area. Supersaturated
oxygen levels in San Jose Lagoon during daylight hours were indicative of
extensive algal growth. Coupled with occasional rapid DO decreases during
the night and following overcast conditions, the lagoon is a likely
candidate for fish kills at any time.
Little variation in pH was observed within the bay (8.0 to 8.3
range). In San Jose Lagoon and Martin Pena Canal, however, the 8.5 upper
limit in the Standards was exceeded on numerous occasions (9.4 maximum).
The cause of high pH in these two areas was overenrichment of the waters
ftom nutrients in waste discharges and urban runoff. The nutrients
stimulate algal growth which in turn affect pH levels as well as cause
color problems and nuisance conditions.
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13-B
FIGURE J
O O" O" O" O'
O" (3" 0*
o
o
Q':
L8-6
LB-3
OLB-I
LB-3 0
0
O
Lomwr Bay /
^UB-5
Spoil Arto
0
Upfitr Bay
O
ue-ii „
o .• OUB-2
; oub-t
0 UB-3
UB-IO
&. : uB-6
0
0
0
0
0
KEY
0
¦.OP
StiodKt orM raprVMMt % of
m* umM ator* Hit 00
Mkw 4 3 mg/1
N
•" -A
- \
0
6.3 mg/1 (Am OX) «bun*d\
Stotaon I
SCALE IN MILES
1/2
BOTTOM
SOUTHEAST WATER LABORATORY
ATHENS GEORGIA
DISSOLVED OXYGEN SUMMARY
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WATER QUAUTT QTTKt
SOUTHEAST BEG**
ATLAMTA .GEORGIA
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/ 3-C
FIGURE 4
MP-1
I 8
O SJ-7
Laguna Los
Coraeos
Pena_
rMP-2
0
4.8
67
'C?
OS J-5
9m
SJ-4 o
91
0.1
Loguno Son Jose
(J65
®
90
02
SJ-8
/
OS J-3
SJ-I
SJ-2
KEY
0 Shaded ar«o represents % of
the sample* where the 0.0 wot
jqp below 4 5 mq/l.
06.5mg/l //We &Q observed)
\oi Station '
BOTTOM
N
*
scale in miles
1/2
(3,oe ®
00
96
1.8
SOUTHEAST WATER LABORATORY
ATHENS GEORGIA
0ISS0LVED OXYGEN SUMMARY
ENVIRONMENTAL protection agency
WATER QUALITY OFFICE
SOUTHEAST REGION ATLANTA.GEORGIA
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14
Temperature In the bay was generally in the 25 to 28°C (77 to 82°F)
range. Highest values were found in the upper bay near the thermal power
plant (8S°F) and the Puerto Nuevo outfall (84°F). Cooling waters from the
Palo Seco plant enters the Bayamon River and causes temperatures to exceed
95°F (a Standards violation) at the mouth of the river. The Standards
requirement of no more than 4°F above ambient was exceeded near the outlet
of the San Juan thermal power plant in the Army Terminal area.
Wastes from the Gulf Caribbean refinery are discharged into the
mosquito control canal which enters San Juan Bay near Catano (see Figure 1).
Zero dissolved oxygen conditions were found at the mouth of the canal.
Large quantities of oil also enter the bay from the canal.
Numerous violations of the oil and solids provisions of the Water
Quality Standards were observed throughout the study area.
Total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations are Indicative of the
magnitude of pollution from sanitary and organic Industrial waste sources.
The data in Table v showed highest TOC concentrations in the bay at
Stations UB-2 and UB-11, both located near large sources of municipal
(Puerto Nuevo outfall and Martin Pena Canal) and industrial waste
(Corona Brewery). In the lower bay, the cleansing effect of tidal exchange
reduced TOC concentrations closer to background levels. The generally
higher values in the upper bay, while not alarming, are a clear indication
that waste inputs are not dissipated rapidly.
Weather during the month of January should permit optimum water
quality conditions to prevail. The large percentage of Standards violations
was unexpected.
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15
TABLE II
SUMMARY OF CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL DATA
REGULAR SAMPLING STATIONS
Station
Dissolved Oxygen
(mg/1)
Top Bottom
Temperature
pit
Top
Bottom
San
Juan Bay
UB-2
Maximum
8.5
5.3
29
28.5
8.3
Minimum
1.3
0.0
25.5
26
8.2
Mean
5.0
3.4
27.2
27. 2
8.2
No. of observations
19
16
7. Violations, all
samples
26
69
7. Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
50
100
UB-3
Maximum
3.1
2.8
27
27.5
Minimum
1.6
2.4
26
27
Mean
2.6
2.6
26.5
27.3
No. of observations
3
3
3
3
7. Violations, all
samples
100
100
7. Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
100
100
UB-4
Maximum
12.7
6.0
29
28.5
8.1
Min Imuni
1.8
3.3
26
26.0
8.0
Mean
5.7
4.9
27.3
27.0
8.0
No. of observations
19
18
7. Violations, all
samples
42
21
7, Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
75
25
UB-5
Maximum
11.9
7.3
28.5
27.5
8.2
Minimum
3.6
5.0
26.0
26.0
8.2
Mean
7.5
6.0
27.1
26.6
8.2
No. of observations
19
19
X Violations, all
samples
11
0
% Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
22
0
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TABLE II (cont'd)
SUMMARY OF CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL DATA
RECULAR SAMPLING STATIONS
Dissolved Oxygen Temperature pH
Station (mg/1) " (°C)
Top
Bottom
Top
Bottom
UB-6
Maximum
!4.3
7.1
29
28.5
8.2
Minimum
3.8
4.4
26.5
26
8.2
Mean
6.7
5.8
27.6
27.2
8.2
No. of observations
10
18
7, Violations, all
samples
5
6
7. Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
12
0'
LTB-7
Maximuir.
12.7
10.4
29
29
8.2
Minimuji
3.6
3.7
26
27
8.1
Mean
6.1
5.6
27.8
27.8
8.2
No. of observations
19
17
7. Violations, all
samples
11
18
7, Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
0
14
UB-8
Maximum
7.5
9.0
29.5
29
8.2
Minimum
3.6
4.4
27.0
'27
7.9
Mean
5.4
5.6
28.1
28.2
8.0
No. of observations
16
12
7. Violation?, all
samples
19
8
7, Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
0
0
UB-9
Maximum
5.7
5.8
29
29
8.1
Minimum
3.5
3.3
26
26
8.0
Moon
4.7
4.7
28
28.1
8.1
No. of observations
20
16
7. Violations, all
namples
40
38
Z Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
56
80
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17
TABLE II (cont'd)
SUMMA.PY OF CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL DATA
REGULAR SAMPLING STATIONS
Dissolved Oxygon Temperature pH
Station (mg/1) * (°C)
Top
Bottom
Top
Bottom
UB-IO
Maximum
9.4
0.2
29
29
8.3
Minimum
1.6
1.7
26
26
8.0
Mean
5.1
4.6
27.5
27.6
8.2
No. of observations
19
15
1 Violations, all
samples
32
40
I Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
71
80
UB-1I
Maximum
10.3
6.6
29.5
28
8.1
Minimum
0.9
2.3
26.0
26.5
8.1
Mean
5.0
4.0
27.3
27.4
8.1
No. of observations
19
14
7Violations, all
8amples
42
64
1 Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
86
100
LB-1
Maximum
12.9
8.0
29
28
8.0
Minimum
6.4
3.3
26
25.5
8.0
Mean
9.3
5.8
27.3
26.6
8.0
No. of observations
17
17
7. Violations, all
samples
0
24
% Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
0
25
LB-2
Maximum
12.2
6.9
28
27
8.2
Minimum
6.3
4.1
26
26
8.1
Mean
8.6
5.5
27
26.6
8.2
No. of observations
17
17 '
Z Violations, all
samples
0
24
X Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
0
25
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TABLE II (cont'd)
SUMMARY OF CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL DATA
REGULAR SAMPLINC STATIONS
Dissolved Oxygen
Temperature
PH
Station
(m«/l)
°C )
Top
Bottom
Top
Bottom
LB-3
Maximum
13.0
8.2
28
28
8.2
Minimum
5.5
4.7
26
26
8.2
Mean
8.2
6.1
27.2
26.9
8.2
No. of observations
17
15
X Violations, all
samples
0
0
% Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
0
0
LB-A
Maximum
9.8
9.0
27.5
27.5
8.3
Minimum
6.5
5.7
26.0
26.5
8.3
Mean
7.6
7.2
27.0
27
8.3
No. of observations
10
9
X Violations, all
s amp 1e a
0
0
Z Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
0
0
LB-5
Maximum
8.3
8.1
27.5
28
Minimum
b.5
5.5
26.5
26.5
Mean
7.2
6.7
27.1
26.9
No. of observations
6
6
1 Violations, all
samples
0
0
% Violation*,
0400-1000 firs.
0
0 '
LB-6
Maximum
7.1
7.5
31
27
Minimum
b.5
7.5
27.5
27
Mean
6.8
7.5
29.3
27-
No. of observations
2
l
1 Violations, all
samples
0
0
7. Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
0
0
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19
TABLE II (cont'd)
SUMMARY OF CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL DATA
REGULAR SAMPLING STATIONS
Station
Dissolved Oxygen
(mR/1)
Top Bottom
Temperature
<°c)
Top Bottom
pJ!
LB-8
Maximum
8.7
7.7
29 - 28.5
8. 2
Mi nigrum
3.5
3.4
26 26
8.1
Mean
5.8
5.4
27.2 27.2
8.2
No. of observations
16
14
7. Violations, all
samples
19
36
X Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
33
80
LE-9
Maximum
11.8
7.8
28 28
8.2
Minimum
5.7
2.0
26 26
8.1
Mean
7.7
6.2
27.2 27.1
8.2
No. of observations
17
17
7. Violations, all
samples
0
6
7. Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
0
0
San Jose and Las Corozos Lagoons
SJ-1
Maximum
22.4
1.1
28
26.5
Mini mum
1.2
0.0
24
25
Mean
9.0
0.2
25.3
26
No. of observations
11
11
Z Violations, all
samples
36
100
7. VIo lations,
0400-1000 hrs.
50
100
SJ-2
Maximum
28.3
1.8
29
9.1
Minimum
2.0
1.8
23
8.2
Mean
9.6
1.8
25.4
8.6
No. of observations
11
1.8
7. Violations, all
samples
36
100
X Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
50
100
-------
20
TABLE II (cont'd)
SUMMARY OF CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL DATA
RECULAR SAMPLING STATIONS
Station
Dissolved Oxygen
(ma/l)
Top Bottom
Temperature
(°C)
Top Bottom
pll
SJ-3
Maximum
30.6
0.0
29
9.4
Minimum
1.6
0.0
24
8.9
Mean
1C.8
0.0
25.5
9.1
No. of observations
1L
1
7. Violations, all
samples
.16
100
7. Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
50
100
SJ-4
Maximum
16.7
0.7
27 27
8.4
Minimum
1.1
0.0
24 26
8.1
Mean
9.1
0.1
25.4 26.6
8.3
No. of observations
11
10
I Violations, all
samples
36
100
7. Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
50
100
SJ-5
Maximum
13.8
28
8.8
Minimum
0.4
24
8.4
Mean
6.7
25.5
8.6
No. of observations
11
7. Violations, all
samples
J6
7, Violations,
0400-1000 lira.
50
SJ-6
Maximum
16.8
8.9
27.5 27
9.0
Minimum
0.6
0.0
24 24
8.8
Mean
8.4
3.6
25.5 25.5
8.9
No. of observations
11
9
% Violations, all
samples
36
67
7. Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
50
75
-------
TABLE II (cont'd)
SUMMARY OF CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL DATA
REGULAR SAMPL1NC STATIONS
Dissolved Oxygen Temperature pH
Station (mg/l) (°C)
Top Bottom Top Bottom
8 J-7
Maximum
11.8
28
8.4
Minimum
0.0
23.5
7.8
Mean
4.8
25.8
8.1
No. of observations
11
X Violations, all
samples
55
7. Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
62
SJ-8
Maximum
18.9
12.2 27
26.5
8.5
Minimum
0.0
0.0 24
24.5
8.4
Mean
6.5
3.0 25
25.0
8.4
No. of observations
8
8
% Violations, all
samples
50
75
T, Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
67
67
Martin Pena Canal
MPC-I
Maximum
5.8
28.5
8.8
Minimum
0.1
25
7.2
Mean
1.8
27
7.9
No. of observations
21
% Violations, all
samples
90
X Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
88
KPC-2
Maximum
6.3
28
9.0
Minimum
1.3
25
7.6
Mean
4.8
26.6
8.3
No. of observations
21
X Violations, all
samples
24
X Violations,
0400-1000 hrs.
12
-------
22
TABLE III
DISSOLVED OXYGEN AND TEMPERATURE DATA
SAN JUAN BAY NAVIGATIONAL CHANNEL*
Navigational Channel January Time DO Temperature
Near Station Date (mg/l) (°C)
UB-4
19
0724
3.9
26
19
1725
4.8
27
21
0722
4.2
27
UB-7
19
0753
3.5
26
19
1750
5.4
27
21
0755
4.4
27
UB-9
19
0743
4.2
26
19
1745
3.7
27
21
0747
4.7
26.5
LTB- 10
19
0738
2.7
26.5
19
1740
4.9
27.0
oB -11
21
0733
3.6
26.5
*A11 samples taken near channel bottom.
-------
23
TABLE IV
CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL DATA
CONDADO LACOON AND SAIJ JUAN BAY TRIBUTARIES
Station .January Time Dissolved Oxygon Temperature pR
or Date (mg/1) (°C)
Locati on \ Top Bottom Top Bottom Top Bottom
Mosquito
Control
Canal
22
0820
0.0
0.0
27
26.5
7.1
Above
Salinity
Earrier
22
1501
0.6
25.5
7.0
Mouth of
22
0845
5.6
5.7
32
34
7.7
Bayamon
River
22
1410
5.9
5.2
35
35.5
7.7
Condado
Lagoon
C-l
22
1123
5.6
25
8.0
C-2
22
1130
5.4
25
8.1
C-3
22
1131
4.1
25
7.9
C-4
22
1134
4.4
25
8.0
C-5
22
1125
5.1
25
8.1
C-6
22
IPt
5.6
25
8.1
C-7
22
: : 16
7.3
26
8.1
C-8
22
i
5.8
25
8.0
-------
TABLE V
TOTAL ORGANIC CARBON CONCENTRATIONS
SAN JUAN BAY
Station* Jan. 18, 1971 Jan. 19, 1971
(mg/1) (mg/')
LB - 1
A
3
LB-2
A
A
LB-3
-
5
LB-A
-
6
LB-5
-
5
LB-8
4
6
LB-9
A
A
UB-2
5
12
UB-A
5
7
UB-5
3
6
UB-6
3
7
UB-7
A
5
UB-8
3
3
UB-9
3
A
UB-10
5
A
UB-11
5
8
*Sur£ace samples.
-------
25
BACTERIOLOGICAL STUDY
Aa part of the January 1971 survey, a study was conducted to determine
the bacterial quality of recreational waters In the greater San Juan area.
Violations of the standards applying to these waters were documented. The3"
waters arc now being used extensively for water contact recreation.
The three-pare bacterial criterion applying to Puerto Rico's recreational
waters require a monthly median total coliform concentration not to exceed
1000/100 ml, or not to exceed 1000/100 ml in more than 20 percent of the
samples examined in any month, or not over 2400/100 ml on any given day.
Bacterirl quality was determined at 17 beach-front sites and eight
sites within Condado Lagoon (Figure 1, Table VI). Total and fecal coliform
concentrations were determined at each site, and one qualitative examination
for the presence of Salmonellae was made at each site. The sampling sites
were sampled a maximum of six and a minimum of four times during the study.
Condado Laxoon
Examination of the data In Tables VII through X shows numerous
violations of the water quality standards. Some of the counts indicate
oxtromoly severe focal contamination. Of the areas studied, Condado
Lagoon had the most serious bacterial pollution. The total coliform
concentrations at each of the sampling site* exceeded the bacterial
standard (Table VII, Figure 5). The pathogen SaImono1 la holdclbcrg
was also identified. Fecal coliform levels In Condado Lagoon, which arc
more indicative of wastes from man and animal, are shown in Table VIII
-------
TABLE VI
BACTERIOLOGICAL SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS
Beach Stations
B1 - West end of U.S. Naval Reserve Officers Beach
D2 - Beach located at the Piscina Olimplca, adjacent to a storm
acwer
83 - Pier adjacent to Caribe Hilton HoteJ Beach
B4 - Balneario Condado Beach
B5 - Small park next to El Mirador Condominium on Ashford Avenue
B6. - beach at t!ie Hotel La Concha
B7 - Beach at the Atlantic Beach Hotel
B8 - Beach adjacent to Sheraton Hotel, next to large stcrm sewer
east of hotel
B9 - Adjacent to large storm sewer behind the Condado del Mar
Condominium
BIO - Adjacent to large storm sew«;r east of Casino de Puerto Rico
Bll - West end of Barbosa Park Beach
B12 - East end of Barbosa Park Beach
B13 - Beach behind the Park Boulevard Condominium
B14 - Beach of the El San Juan Hotel
B15 - Beach 100 yards east of Holiday Inn
B16 - West end of Isla Verde Public Beach
B17 - East end of Isla Verde Public Beach
-------
TABLE VI (cont'd)
BACTERIOLOGICAL SAMPLING STATION LOCATIONS
Condado Lagoon Stations
C-l - Approximately 50 foet from Flamboyan Hotel Beach
C-2 - Approximately 50 feet from boat dock Just west of
Barranqultas Street
C-3 - Near the end of a concrete jetty In the vicinity of
Delcasse Avenue
C-4 - Approximately 50 feet from eastern end of the lagoon along
the Avenue Baldorioty De Castro
C-5 - Approximately 30 feet weut of boat launching ramp near the
Baldorioty De Castro Statue
C-6 - Approximately 50 feet from shore on a line with Ensenada
Street
C-7 - Easternmost bridge separating Condado Lagoon and Cano de.
San Antonio
C-8 - Center of lagoon directly out from Baldorioty De Castro
Statue
-------
28
and Figure 5.1/
Most of the bacterial pollution sources are located along the southern
and eastern shores of the lagoon. Numerous severs were observed discharging
fecal material. The most obviously contaminated effluents were west of the
Baldorloty De Castro Statue along the aouthorn shore of the l.tgoon.
Violations of water quality standards other than excessive collform
concentrations were observed. Large quantities of floating and settle&ble
solids were discharged from sewers. On January 13, 1971, oil was observed
flowing from a sewer located on the southern shore of the lagoon on a line
with Calle Madrid. Most of the nfiarshore area of the lagoon had considerable
debris, both floating and submerged. Some evidence of garbage was noted in
the proximity of the Baldorloty De Castro Statue. Rats were numerous along
the shore.
Beach Axea3
Bacterial water que*Ity at the 17 beachfront stations was generally
good (Table IX, Figure 6). Four areas sampled did have standards violations,
however. These were located:
• Just east of the Puerto Rico Sheraton Hotel (Station B8)
• Behind the Condado Del Mar Condominium (Station B9)
• East of the Casino do Puerto Rico in the vicinity of Kings Court
(Station B10)
• Behind the £1 San Juan Hotel (Station B1A).
1/No standards for fecal collform concentrations have been adopted for
Puerto Rican waters. Counts higher than 200/100 ml are generally considered
cause for concern.
-------
29
The first three sites had the most severe bacterial quality problems
and all were adjacent to large storm sewers which receive some sanitary
wastes. The reason for the occasional high total colifonn concentrations
at the El San Juan Boach was not apparent.
Fecal collform concentrations for beach stations arc shown in Tabic X
and Figure 6. Concentrations in excess of 200/100 ml were common at the fo>jr
sites previously mentioned.
-------
30
TABLE VII
TOTAL COLIFORM CONCENTRATIONS* IN
CONDADO LAGOON
StatLon
I/I7/7L
1/18/7 L
1/19/71
1/20/71
1/21/71
1/22/71
Median
CI
-
330,000
13,000
92,000
2,300
2,300
13,000
C2
-
230,000
54,000
35,000
490
3,100
35,000
C3
79,000
2,300,000
2,300,000
490,000
790,000
>240,000
640,000
C4
2,000
4,000
790
790
>240,000
4,900
3,000
C5
220,000
330,000
130,000
8,000
1,300,000
5,000
180,000
C6
2,300,000
790,000
1,300,000
130,000
11,000,000
5,400,000
1,800,000
C7
<2,000
9,000
4,900
3,500
1,300
3, SuO
3,500
C8
-
2,000
230
2, 200
700
7,000
2,000
* MPN/100 ml
- No analysis
-------
31 'A
TABLE VIII
FECAL COLIFORM CONCENTRATIONS* IN
CONDADO LACOON
Station
1/17/71
1/18/71
1/19/71
1/20/71
1/21/71
1/22/71
Median
CI
-
5,000
4,900
7,900
790
790
5,000
C2
-
33,000
1,400
7,900
490
3,300
3,300
C3
-
490,000
490,000
70,000
330,000
>240,000
330,000
C4
-
<2,000
130
2
>240,000
3,300
2,000
C5
-
130,000
49,000
8,000
1,300,000
2,000
49,000
C6
-
490,000
490,000
130,000
7,900,000
490,000
490,000
C7
-
2,000
790
3,500
790
790
790
C8
-
2,000
80
940
700
1,300
940
* KPN/100 ml
- No analysis
-------
FIGURE 5
ATLANTIC OCEAN
C-7
© C-8
C-6
C-2
© C-5
SCALE IN TENTHS OF MILES
SOUTHEAST WATER LABORATORY
GEORGIA
1/10
1/iO
COLIFORM CONCENTRATIONS
CONOAOO LAGOON
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
wA-rtR ouflurr ofnci
southeast regkjn
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
4I-.B
-------
32
TABLE IX
TOTAL COLIFORM CONCENTRATIONS* AT
BEACHFRONT STATIONS
Station
1/17/71
1/18/71
1/19/71
1/20/71
1/21/71
1/22/71
Med 1 ati
BI
80
490
170
130
1,300
330
250
B2
130
130
80
79
2,200
230
130
B3
<20
<20
80
330
33
50
42
B4
490
-
<20
23
280
<20
23
B5
230
70
80
23
330
50
75
B6
330
-
230
23
230
330
230
B7
260
-
230
790
330
170
260
B8
>240,000
-
700,000
230,000
170,000
70,000
240,000
B9
92,000
1,300,000
2,000
23,000
2,000
70,000
47,000
BIO
35,000
2,300
7,000
27,000
70,000
33,000
30,000
Bll
790
490
50
330
9,200
130
410
B12
790
490
80
33
490
33
290
B13
<20
790
20
23
130
17
22
B14
50
-
3,300
790
5,400
460
790
B15
110
-
20
1
>24,000
130
L10
B16
20
-
230
79
330
46
79
B17
40
<20
13
130
49
40
* MTN/100 ml
- No analysis
-------
33 "A
TABLE X
FECAL COLIFORM CONCENTRATIONS* AT
BEACHFRONT STATIONS
Station
1/17/71
1/18/71
1/19/71
1/20/71
1/21/71
1/22/71
Median
B1
-
70
20
2
790
80
70
B2
-
<20
20
22
79
20
20
B3
-
<20
50
310
5
20
20
B4
-
-
<20
8
170
<20
20
B5
-
20
20
23
70
20
20
B6
-
-
50
2
130
<20
35
B7
-
-
50
490
170
<20
110
B8
-
-
330,000
33,000
33,000
33,000
33,000
B9
-
790,000
<2,000
13,000
2,000
13,000
13,000
BIO
-
2,300
7,000
4,000
9,000
13,000
7,000
Bll
-
490
20
34
2,400
8
34
B12
-
490
20
7
490
5
20
B13
-
220
20
8
27
2
20
B14
-
-
490
330
230
230
280
B15
-
-
<20
2
5,400
49
35
316
-
-
<20
<2
33
<2
11
B17
-
_
<20
8
23
<2
14
* MPN/lOO ml
- No analyaia
-------
FIGURE 6
oc.
ATLMTK OCEAN
e «
KLT
I 1 TetoJ Co>>(vm
BQ Ftcol Cotton*
Standout (Totel Oriifyw.)
ifiOQ
too
SOOTKAST WTtR lA69UTC^T
SCMS H WiS
COLFORM CONCENTRATIONS
SAN JUAN B£AO€S
D**«>«MtNTAi PftOUClK* AC£^T
-------
34
SEDIMENT CHARACTERISTICS
The Corps of Engineers and che Puerto Rico Pore Authority made several
core borings in San Juan Bay In the early 1960's. The borings were taken as
part of the plan for channel Improvement. The description of the borings
indicates that thick, deposits (over 35 feet in some locations) of organic clay
and oilt covered much of the inner, or upper, bay area. Adjacent to the Puerto
Nuevo channel and especially near the mouth of Martin Pe?fa Canal, the organic
deposits were more silt than clay. Closer to the mouth of San Juan Bay, the
organic clay cover yielded to sand and sandy-shell deposits.
The channel which was constructed in the Puerto Nuevo area shortly after
the borings were taken has been filling rapidly with solids since construction.
Most of the settleable matter entering the channel comes from the silt-laden
flow of the Rio Piedras, but a sizeable fraction originates from the discharge
of municipal and Industrial wastes at the upper end of the bay. A maintenance
dredging project will tfe underway soon to restore the channel to its original
depth.
During the January 1971 water quality study, additional cores were
extracted from bottom deposits at seven of the Upper Bay Stations (see Table XI).
These cores were examined for physical appearance, odor, and chemical
characteristics. Moat of the bottom samples were black, malodorous and
resembled some type of organic sludge. A limited attempt at determining
the thickness of the organic deposit showed that it was at least 12 feet
thick at many points. Corps of Engineers data are more reliable thickness
indicators.
-------
35
While not as rich In organic nitrogen (as N), total phosphorur (as P),
and organic carbon (as C), as some sediments found in polluted areas of the
continental United States, ths sediments were nevertheless quite high In
these nutrient constituents. e carbon to nitrogen ratio was generally
less than 15:1, and this Is hlg.ily Indicative of a sanitary or municipal
waste origin.
Many raw or insufficiently treated waste sources contribute to the
problem of srlids buildup in upper San Juan Bay. Not the least of these
contributors are the Puerto Nuevo sewage treatment plant, the Corona
brewery, raw municipal waste discharges along Martin Pena Canal, and the
U.S. Navy facilities. Untreated wastes from military and merchan' ships
pour Into the upper bay in the Puerto Nuevo, Army Terminal, and Navy Base
areas.
The large amounts of nutrients found in San Juan Bay bottom sediments
contribute to accelerated eutrophication of bay waters. The eutrophication
problem manifests itself primarily in the form of excessively high and low
dissolved oxygen levels and overabundant algal growth.
-------
TABLE XI
SEDIMENT ANALYSES, SAN JUAN BAY
Sta. No.*
Date
Sampled
COD
(mg/kg)
Z Organic
Carbon**
Organic
Nitrogen
(mg/kg)
Total
Phosphorus
(mg/kg)
Appear ance
Core
Length
(ft)
UB-2-B
1-20-71
47,329
1.77
5,438
395
Black Sludge
4
UB-2-T
1-20-71
42,596
1.60
3,500
495
Black Sludge
4
UB-2-M
1-20-71
43,985
1.65
4,256
650
Black Sludge
4
UB-4-M
1-20-71
90,285
3.38
6,033
545
Black Sludge
4
UB-4-T
1-20-71
63,276
2.37
5,279
480
Black Sludge
4
UB-4-B
1-20-71
58,646
2.20
6,195
310
Black Sludge
4
UB-7-T
1-20-71
48,152
1.80
2,909
365
Dark Grey and Black
1 1/2
UB-7-B
1-20-71
152,433
5. 71
6,1 76
250
Sludge Mixture With Sooe Shell
1 1/2
UB-8-T
1-20-71
10,496
0.39
4 ,200
320
Grey Mud and Mixture of Shell
2 1/2
UB-8-B
1-20-71
18,983
0. 71
7,000
300
Grey Mud and Mixture of Shell
2 1/2
UB-10-T
1-20-71
46,300
1. 73
2,653
305
Black Sludge
3
UB-10-M
1-20-71
30,249
1.13
747
255
Black Sludge
3
UB-ll-T
1-20-71
55,560
2.08
5,997
715
Black Sludge
4
UB-ll-H
1-20-71
75,932
2.84
3,920
815
Black Sludge
4
UB-11-3
1-20-71
68,524
2.57
3,582
550
Black Sludge
4
u
o
-------
TABLE XI (cont'd)
SEDIMENT ANALYSES, SAN JUAN BAY
Organic
Total
Core
Date
COD
I Organic
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Length
Sta. No.*
Sampled
(mg/kg)
Carbon**
(mg/kg)
(rag/kg)
Appearance
. w.
UB-3-T
1-20-71
65,848
2.47
4,527
640
Black Sludge
3 1/2
UB-3-M
1-20-71
97,230
3.64
2,217
635
Black Sludge
3 1/2
UB-3-B
1-20-71
57,244
2.14
2,217
375
Black Sludge
3 1/2
NOTE: All analyses on dry weight basis
* T, M, and B signify top, middle or bottom segments of the sediaent core.
** By calculation from COD.
u>
-------
38
PLANKTON
Total phytop lankton counts (Table XII) in San Juan coastal waters showed
that alga! levels In:
* San Juan Bay were above average for marine conditions -- average 640/ml,
maximum 1159/ml;
* San Jose Lagoon were extremely high -- average 17,400/ml, maximum
31,980/ml.
The dense algal population In San Jose Lagoon caused:
* Oxygen supersaturation near the surface on 6unny days.
* Nuisance problems -- matting at the shoreline.
High DO values in San Jose Lagoon were accompanied by anoxic conditions
at all times in waters overlying the Lagoon bottom. At night and on cloudy
days, the entire water column approached anoxic conditions as a result of the
excessive artificial enrichment which produced abnormal biotic response.
Algae play a vital role in a balanced aquatic environment. When
nutrients from waste discharges enter receiving waters, the effect on such
waters can be overenrichment, or accelerated eutrophication. 'Ihis is happen-
ing to a highly damaging extent in San Jose Lagoon but to a lesser degree m
San Juan Bay. The algal population in the bay is sufficient, however, to
cause supersaturation of DO in almost all San Juan Bay in lAle afternoon.
Nocturnal biotic activity decreases DO levels over a major portion of the
upper bay to below 4.5 mg/1. There Is no dominant subgroup of phytoplankton
In San Juan Bay. Tidal action conveys significant numbers of plankton into
the bay froni San Jose Lagoon.
-------
39
At times San Jose Lagoon la completely colored green from plankton.
Greater than 50 percent of the plankton found were pigmented flagellates
(these along with blue-greens are frequently encountered in waters affected
by organic wastes). Some blue-green algae were also found in San Jose Lagoon,
and those are probably responsible for reports of odors. A heavy algal bloom
was present during the week of 17 January. Ttie northeast shore of the lagoon
was matted with an extensive accumulation of algae. Although no odor was pre-
sent, the water quality damage was obvious.
The biological and chemical characteristics of San Jose Lagoon, coupled
with its physical appearance, indicate that the water body is little more than
2. waste stabilization pond. Fluctuations in oxygen levels from zero to 30.6
mg/1 make the lagoon a likely candidate for fish kills at any time. The
tremendous recreational potential of San Jose Lagoon for the San Juan area
will never be realized while it remains in its present condition.
-------
TABLE XII
PLANKTON DATA
PLANKTON (number
per milliliter)
SAMPLE
TOTAL
FLAGELLATES
INERT
DIATOM
LOCATION
PLANKTON
BLUE GREEN
GREEN
(pigmented)
DIATOMS
SE
ELLS
o
z
a>
3
O
to
3
O
c
r\
T>
c
•o
c
e
H
•rt
It*
o
Sear Boat
Ramp Surf
14,106
0
26
1,079
26
10,949
0
2,000
26
26
26
SJ-1 Surf
6,133
0
26
290
0
1,553
0
4,211
53
316
26
SJ-8 Surf
31,980
0
368
2,922
0
17,161
0
11,239
290
158
184
.c-
o
-------
K£Y
FIGURE 1
'CP
S0UWAS7
sampimg locations
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