Assessment of enteric bacterial indicators and correlation with physico-chemical parameters in Veraval coast, India

Abstract

In present study, the prevalence of enteric bacterial indicators like Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Proteus, Klebsiella, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus like organism in water and sediment of Veraval coast were studied at six different locations in three different seasons Statistical analysis of data showed that there is a significant increase in count in September (Monsoon) as compared to January (post monsoon) It was also found that the enteric bacterial count was higher in sediment than in surface waters in harbour mouth and during monsoon season A strong correlation of bacterial counts with physico-chemical parameters was observed Temperature, pH, salinity, Dissolved oxygen (DO), Nitrite (NO₂^-) and Nitrate (NO₃^-) showed negative correlation with the bacterial counts whereas Biological Oxygen demand (BOD), Ammonia (NH₄⁺) and Phosphate (PO₄^3-) showed a positive correlation with the bacterial counts.