[Microbiological quality of the Catania coastal sea water]

This study was carried out from 1997 to 1998 along a selected coastal area near Catania to ascertain bacteriological and virological quality of marine waters. 44 seawater samples, collected from 4 stations, were assayed for the presence of total and fecal coliforms, fecal streptococci, coliphages, Salmonellae and enteric viruses. Two stations localized at canal outfalls showed high levels of fecal pollution. The other stations were of good microbiological quality and showed a limited number of samples exceeding the standards laid down as guide values for bathing waters by Italian normative during the bathing period. Salmonellae were isolated in 8 out of 44 sea water samples (18%). Their presence was ascertained mainly in samples of the two polluted stations. Enteroviruses were not isolated. Enteric viruses such as Reoviruses were isolated from all stations, in 12 out of 44 samples (27%). The presence of these viruses was ascertained only during autumnal and winter seasons. The results of this study showed that, notwithstanding some stations showed high levels of bacteriological indicators of fecal pollution and presence of Salmonellae, enteroviruses growing on cell cultures were not isolated. Reoviruses confirmed their high diffusion in marine waters.