Impacts of Atmospheric and Anthropogenic Factors on Microbiological Pollution of the Recreational Coastal Beaches Neighboring Shipping Ports

Influence of tides on the dissemination and related health risks of intestinal helminths along the Kribi beaches (Atlantic Coast, Southern Cameroon)

Kribi is a seaside town that welcomes thousands of tourists each year. However, the poor sanitation condition of its beaches along the Atlantic coast is not without risk for visitors. In this study, we used the formol-ether concentration technique to identify and quantify larvae or eggs of intestinal helminths in waters of three regularly visited Kribi beaches (Mpalla, Ngoyè, and Mboamanga). Results revealed that all identified larvae and eggs were cestodes (Hymenolepis nana) and nematodes (Strongyloides sp., Ascaris sp., Ancylostoma duodenale and Trichuris trichiura). All the helminth eggs and larvae showed high abundance at low tide during rainy seasons. Ancylostoma duodenale eggs, totally absent at Mpalla, were densely present at low tide at Ngoyè (301 ± 15 eggs/L). Trichuris trichiura eggs showed the lowest abundance (0 to 62 eggs/L) at all sites. Abiotic variables indicated that waters at the various beaches were basic (pH: 8.75-9.77), generally warmer (32.44°C at Mpalla in the Short Rainy Season), more oxygenated at low tide, and moderately mineralized at high tide. Positive and significant correlations were observed at Ngoyè at low tide between Strongyloides sp. larvae and dissolved oxygen (P ˂ 0.05); and between Ancylostoma duodenale eggs and temperature (P ˂ 0.05). The overall results indicated that the beaches studied are subjected to fecal pollution. This pollution is more accentuated during low tides than during high tides. Depending on tidal movements, swimmers risk exposure to helminth eggs and larvae known to be responsible for gastroenteritis.

Examining the influence of COVID-19 lockdowns on coastal water quality: A study on fecal bacteria levels in Moroccan seawaters

Fecal bacteria in bathing seawater pose a substantial public health risk and require rigorous monitoring. The unexpected beach closures during the COVID-19 lockdowns have afforded unique opportunities to evaluate the impact of human activities on bathing water quality (BWQ). This study examined the temporal changes in fecal coliforms (FC) and streptococci (FS) within bathing seawater across a popular coastal region in Morocco during two lockdown periods (2020 L and 2021 L), comparing these data with observations from pre-lockdown years (2018, 2019) and post-lockdown periods (2020, 2021, 2022). Our findings illuminate the influential role the hiatus periods played in enhancing bathing water quality, attaining an "excellent" status with marked reductions in fecal coliform and streptococci levels. Consequently, the FC/FS analysis exposed a clear preponderance of humans as the primary sources of fecal contamination, a trend that aligns with the burgeoning coastal tourism and the escalating numbers of beach visitors. Additionally, the presence of domestic animals like camels and horses used for tourist rides, coupled with an increase in wild animals such as dogs during the lockdown periods, compounded the potential sources of fecal bacteria in the study area. Furthermore, occasional sewage discharge from tourist accommodations and wastewater treatment plants may also contribute to fecal contamination. To effectively mitigate these concerns and bolster public health, a commitment to relentless surveillance efforts, leveraging novel and innovative tools, is essential. These findings underline the crucial interplay between human activities and the health of our coastal ecosystems, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices for a safer and healthier future.