Microbial indicators of faecal contamination in public beach of bathing zones, Port Dickson

Kwan, Soo Chen (2013) Microbial indicators of faecal contamination in public beach of bathing zones, Port Dickson. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text lp FPSK4 2013 11.pdf Download (35MB)

Abstract

Project paper (B.S.(Environmental & Occupational Health)) - Universiti Putra Malaysia, 2013. Introduction: Total coliforms and Escherichia coli (E.coli) are two universally accepted microbiological indicators of water quality from faecal contamination. Significant causal relationships have been proven between swimming related symptoms and microbiological quality of water from faecal contaminated recreational beaches. Objective: This study aims to determine the concentrations of total coliforms and E.coli in the public beach of bathing zones in Port Dickson, and the perceived health symptoms from exposure to the bathing water. Methodology: Eight water sampling points were selected randomly at Teluk Kemang public beach. Water samples were taken at 100 m from the wash zone and 20 cm below the water surface using sterile Schott bottles. Bacteria were enumerated by membrane filtration technique using m-ColiBlue24 broth. Beach visitors were interviewed on perceived health symptoms based on questionnaire. Results and Discussion: Total coliforms concentrations were found in the range of 20 to 1940 cfu 1100 ml while E.coli concentrations were in the range of 0 to 90 cfu 1100 ml. Total coliforms and Ecoli were the highest near sewage outfall whereby total coliforms exceeded the USEP A 1986 recommended limit of 1000/1 00 ml. Significant correlations were found between total coliforms and pH, temperature and oxidation reduction potential. For Ecoli, significant correlations were found with pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and oxidation reduction potential. More than half of the respondents reported having no symptoms. Skin symptoms were the most reported while gastroenteritis was the least reported. This result corresponds to the generally acceptable microbiological water quality at the beach. Conclusion: The microbiological water quality in Teluk Kemang public beach was generally safe for recreational activities among the public but needs further monitoring. Keywords: total coliforms, Ecoli, health symptoms, recreational beaches

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms. Adni Syuhaida Zon
Date Deposited:	22 Nov 2022 07:36
Last Modified:	22 Aug 2023 01:26
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/232

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