CONTAMINATION OF SANTOS BEACH SAND: ANALYSIS OF THE PRESENCE OF ESCHERICHIA COLI AND ENTEROCOCCI

Abstract

The suitability of beaches for bathing is related to the microbiological quality of the water. However, a growing concern about the contamination of beach sand, due to improper waste disposal, for example, has raised questions about the presence of pathogens adhering to the sediment and their effects on human health. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of the sands of Santos at two points and thus quantify the contaminants present. Twenty-four samples of 100 g each were collected and subsequently analyzed using the membrane filtration technique. The results showed a higher concentration of Escherichia coli in Boqueirão, while the José Menino recorded the presence of other coliforms and peaks of enterococci with greater expression.

Keywords: contamination; Escherichia coli; enterococci; bathing suitability; microbiology.