ENTEROCOCCI PRESENCE IN INTERSTITIAL WATER IN INTERTIDAL AREAS OF SANDY BEACHES FROM VERACRUZ-BOCA DEL RÃ�O, GULF OF MÉXICO

Sánchez Domínguez B. E.,

Abstract

In this study the presence of enterococci was analyzed in interstitial water samples collected in the intertidal zone of Villa del Mar, Mocambo and Arroyo Jiote beaches located in Veracruz-Boca del Río, México. Sampling conducted in March 2013, included 18 points in each beach considering the level of the tide. The genus Enterococcus was present in 100 per cent of the analysed samples, where a significant difference among the studied beaches was observed. The highest concentrations of the organism occurred in Villa del Mar beach, where 44 percent of the samples exceeded the maximum permissible limit for recreational water. Arroyo Jiote was the beach where the lowest concentrations were recorded. It is necessary to make a follow up to this type of research since the observed levels are indicative of the possible presence of pathogens that could pose a risk to the health of beach users.