Determination of faecal contamination in recreational beach water and associated health risks in Port Dickson

Gombek, Sandra Mirr (2016) Determination of faecal contamination in recreational beach water and associated health risks in Port Dickson. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: Port Dickson is a beach resort destination which has the longest beach in Malaysia. However, Port Dickson faced environmental problems which was insufficient sewage treatment. Degradation of beach water quality is caused by the discharge of wastewater including sewage directly into the sea from wastewater pipe lines from hotels and house nearby. Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine and compare E. coli colonies in ten beaches in Port Dickson and to study the relationships between E. coli colonies and physicochemical parameters of beach water. This study was also to determine associations between perceived health risks for different age groups and water activity exposure among swimmers. Methodology: Beach water samples were collected along the shoreline that were selected randomly from ten beaches in Port Dickson. The beach water samples were then analysed by using membrane filtration technique with Lauryl Sulphate Broth to determine the E. coli colonies. In situ measurements for physicochemical parameters were done for pH, turbidity, salinity, dissolved oxygen and temperature. Perceived health risks reported among the swimmers were assessed by using questionnaire and follow-up was done within 7-10 days in order to determine the onset of any symptoms that occurred following the beach visit. Results: The E. coli colonies were found the highest in six out of ten beaches in Port Dickson with the count of more than 100 cfu/100mL. The lowest E.coli colonies were recorded at 52 cfu/100mL at Teluk Kemang. There were significant relationship between E. coli colonies and physicochemical parameters (turbidity, salinity and pH; p<0.01). The most commonly reported perceived health symptoms among respondents were skin symptoms with 38 respondents (17.4%) and eye symptoms with 30 respondents (13.8%). There was significant association between different age group and perceived health risks mainly for gastroenteritis (p=0.045). However, there were no significant association between water exposure activity and perceived health risks although the trend observed shows there was higher perceived health risks reported by respondents with whole body exposure as compared to those exposed up to leg level (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study showed the E.coli colonies for all the ten beaches varies and have high total count of colonies. It is recommended that further studies are needed to better inform guidelines minimizing risks associated with contamination of beach water. Keywords: Beach water; faecal contamination; E. coli; health risks

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Mr Muhamad Fazril Awang
Date Deposited:	23 Nov 2022 03:40
Last Modified:	23 Nov 2022 03:40
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/439

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