Conclusion

Overall, Kapakahi stream is in good condition. The pH and nitrate levels are good. It shows that the water is balanced and not very much polluted by waste and runoff. The pH is at the most optimal level and provides a healthy environment for organisms living in the stream. The dissolved oxygen wasn't high but it was enough to provide the needed oxygen to animals and plants in the stream. This tells me that the stream is surviving at least. Kapakahi stream had a very low stream flow rate that day and it shows that the stream struggles when the tide is out and when there is less rain because the water becomes murkier and more sediment can build up if the stream is very still. The stream is surviving but more efforts to restore the stream and the marsh could be taken up because the stream is not at the optimal condition.

Change Over Time

In the past, Pouhala Marsh had its water diverted into rice paddies and this would have taken the nutrients native plants needed. Then, in the early 20th century, the marsh was filled with trash, incinerator ash, and mangroves as the area around the marsh had increased development. Even dirt was filled into the marsh to level parts of it. However, in recent times, studies like this water collection shows however much Pouhala Marsh was polluted, the marsh is recovering. Years of restoration has taken away the trash and most of the pollutants to give the marsh cleaner water and a better environment.