Spoilage of a recreational area due to the effects of a sewage dump

• Published in: Revista argentina de microbiología Vol. 42; no. 4; pp. 307 - 310
• Main Authors: Streitenberger, M E, Baldini, M D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Argentina 01.10.2010
• Subjects: Argentina; Bathing Beaches - standards; Enterobacteriaceae - isolation & purification; Enterococcus - isolation & purification; Escherichia coli - isolation & purification; Seasons; Seawater - microbiology; Sewage; Waste Disposal, Fluid - instrumentation; Waste Disposal, Fluid - standards; Water Microbiology; Water Pollution; Argentina
• ISSN: 0325-7541
• DOI: 10.1590/S0325-75412010000400012

Maldonado is the only municipal bathing resort in Bahía Blanca. Its pool receives water from the estuary of Bahia Blanca. The so-called "Planta de Tratamiento de Líquidos Cloacales para la Tercera Cuenca" located nearby, started to operate in September 2008. It is known that the use of fecal contaminated waters increases the disease risk in the population. The aim of this work was to compare current data with the results obtained in previous studies carried out in the Maldonado bathing resort. Five stations were established to assess the presence of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. Results showed an increase in E. coli counts in the area of interest. The results obtained both in the pool and at the floodgate during the period 2008-2009 showed that fecal indicators in the samples exceeded the levels required for recreational waters by approximately 80%. During time the sampling lasted, the treatment plant did not work properly. Therefore, it is necessary for the involved authorities to design the right strategies to ensure the proper operation of the plant, and to raise general awareness of environmental and health issues.