Author(s)

B. Mendes, J. Nascimento, P. Urbano, C. Alves, N. Lapa & J.S. Oliveira

Abstract

An evaluation of the microbiological quality of sand from thirthy one Portuguese beaches, in five different zones, was undertaken since May to October of 1994. The following microbial parameters were analysed in the sand samples, collected in three areas according the distance from sea front: total coliforms, faecal coliforms, faecal Streptococci (EnterococciClostridium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida sp and other fungi. The level of contamination may be related to direct or indirect microbial contamination from beach users. The data showed good or satisfactory microbiological quality of the sand beaches

Keywords