River ecosystems are increasingly being threatened by a vast array of human interventions; such can be either positive or negative.

Continuous monitoring of biotic communities is an integral aspect of ensuring that their survival is maintained. Many environmentalists here in Trinidad such as Professor Wayne Kublalsingh believe that the biological communities are shaped by the long-term conditions of their environment and more accurately reflect the human impacts on the biological ecosystem. Substances which cause harm to ecosystems whether be it intentionally or unintentional from mans activities extensively affects the future growth and development of the natural biota. For example in the early 1950s, fishermen and their families in Minamata Bay, Japan, suffered from mercury poisoning when they ate the fish and shellfish from the bay. The source of mercury was traced to the effluent from a factory. Seabirds in that area were affected in the same way. [Ho Peck Leng & Joe Cazabon] As a result of mans unconsciousness towards environmental existence, both man and species of wildlife were severely affected. Direct and unintentional practices by man such as: Pesticide use- the spraying of chemicals onto crops to kill insects and other pests has resulted in poisoning aquatic organisms. Fertilizer use- fertilizers often contain chemicals such as nitrates and sulphate. When these emerge into the river, it promotes eutrophication. It is a process by which increased amounts of fertilizers flow into water bodies.

Litter-recreational activities contribute to the enhanced pollutants found floating in the rivers. When left on playing fields, eventually they are washed into the rivers. Deforestation-unnecessary clearing of land, coupled with no retention measures and physical blockage of the water channels, may result in upstream and downstream flooding. Affecting both humans and organisms within that ecosystem. Members of the [U.W.I. faculty of health and science 2009] revealed in their study of water pollution sources in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago that the foothills of the Northern Range and the western coast of Trinidad are affected by effluent outfall resulting from the release of agro-chemicals and the indiscriminate dumping of agricultural and industrial waste and cleaning agents used in households. These industries include paint and metal finishing, agro-processing, petrochemicals and distilleries. In conclusion the Maracas St. Joseph River has in fact been impacted by major activities, such as deforestation, sedimentation via quarrying, settlement patterns, farming, industrial effluents which in turn has affected the species diversity and water quality of this once unique river. Quarrying higher up in the mountain brings down silt residue ends up in the river and has changed the content and colour of the water. this is my enviro lit review