Seasonal Variations in Microbial Quality of Recreational Beaches of Vlora Bay, Albania

Year 2015, Volume: 10 Issue: 4, 450 - 454, 30.10.2015

Klodjana Bofe M. Hysko

Abstract

A total of 5 sampling points along Vlora Bay beaches (Radhimë, Plazhi i
Ri, Akademia e Marinës, Plazhi i Vjetër, Kabinat, Nartë) were selected and
monitored during the summer and the autumn of 2014. Seawater samples were
evaluated for faecal coliforms (FC) and faecal streptococci (FS). Statistical
analysis of the results demonstrated higher concentrations of faecal coliforms
and faecal streptococci during summer. Akademia e Marinës beach had the highest
incidence of faecal indicators  (FC and
FS), respectively 100% of samples, followed by Plazhi i Ri (62.5% and 75%), while
at Radhimë, Plazhi i Vjetër, Kabinat and Nartë there was not any faecal
contamination. Climate changes have led to the extended beach season until
autumn. The high concentration of faecal indicators during summer and autumn in
some of monitored beaches indicates that monitoring should be performed during
the whole season, in order to protect bathers health.

Keywords

faecal contamination, seawater, faecal indicators, monitoring

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