Assessment of bacterial and aesthetic quality of marine recreational waters along the eastern coast of Thailand.

ABSTRACT

Bacterial indicator standards for water pollution have been used in every country to safeguard public health from the effects of contaminated water. The current criterion for indexing water pollution in Thailand is the total coliform limit of 1000 MPN/100ml. This study was undertaken to evaluate the degree of pollution of bathing seawater at beaches based on bacterial standards used in several countries as well as the opinion of beach users. Analysis of bacterial indicators for pollution of recreational seawater included total and fecal coliforms, E.coli, enterococci, and staphylococci. Water samples were taken from the most crowded swimming areas at Bangsaen, Jomtien, and Pattaya during the time of peak bathing load, 1100 AM - 200 PM. Interviews of 654 beach users were conducted on the same days as water sampling. The assessment of beach water quality using five indicator organisms showed that staphylococci exceeded the recommended guideline at all 3 sites. In contrast, total coliform and E.coli were within the standard at all 3 beaches. These findings demonstrate that these two organisms alone are not sufficient as indicators of recreational water pollution. At all 3 beaches, opinions of beach users on aesthetic quality of the beach mostly indicated satisfaction, except for the cleanliness of beach food establishments. At Bangsaen beach, 17.1 % of those who did not bathe viewed water quality as unaesthetic; whereas the view of Pattaya coastal water was positive.