j. int. environmental application & science Journal of International Environmental Application and Science 1307-0428 2636-7661 Şükrü DURSUN Seasonal Variations in Microbial Quality of Recreational Beaches of Vlora Bay, Albania Bofe Klodjana Departament of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Albania Hysko M. 10 30 2015 10 4 450 454 10 12 2015 11 11 2015 Copyright © 2006, Journal of International Environmental Application and Science 2006 Journal of International Environmental Application and Science

A total of 5 sampling points along Vlora Bay beaches (Radhimë, Plazhi iRi, Akademia e Marinës, Plazhi i Vjetër, Kabinat, Nartë) were selected andmonitored during the summer and the autumn of 2014. Seawater samples wereevaluated for faecal coliforms (FC) and faecal streptococci (FS). Statisticalanalysis of the results demonstrated higher concentrations of faecal coliformsand faecal streptococci during summer. Akademia e Marinës beach had the highestincidence of faecal indicators  (FC andFS), respectively 100% of samples, followed by Plazhi i Ri (62.5% and 75%), whileat Radhimë, Plazhi i Vjetër, Kabinat and Nartë there was not any faecalcontamination. Climate changes have led to the extended beach season untilautumn. The high concentration of faecal indicators during summer and autumn insome of monitored beaches indicates that monitoring should be performed duringthe whole season, in order to protect bathers health.

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