Microbial indicators of coastal water in Albania

Abstract

Beaches located in Durres and Himara are the most attractive sites in Albania. The purpose of this study is to assess the microbiological quality of seawater in these beaches that are frequented during the summer season. Seawater samples were tested mainly for Eschericia coli and fecal enterococci in accordance with European standards. Water samples (36) were collected in Currila and Plepa beach, located on the Adriatic Sea, and Jala beach located on the Ionian Sea. The monitoring of these sites was done during three years 2017-2019 from June to September. Plepa beach has the highest concentaration of Eschericia coli 600-650 CFU/100ml, followed by Currila with 580-600 CFU/100ml. While Jala beach results in a smaller pollution 260-300 CFU/100ml. Although the presence of faecal enterococci, the most polluted beaches are Currila and Plepa with 220-320 CFU/100ml and 260-300 CFU/100ml respectively. While Jala beach results less colonies respectively 120-250 CFU/100ml. Based on these data, it is shown a high concentration of fecal indicators in these beaches, especially at the Adriatic Sea. According to the European standard, water is classified as “bed” status. Jala beach is classified as “good” status. The pollution increases during July and August. These results emphasize the necessity to monitor these sites periodically to prevent the risk of pollution that may come from different factors.