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Microbiological composition of native and exotic clams from Tagus estuary: effect of season and environmental
Patrícia Anacleto1, Sónia Pedro, Maria Leonor Nunes
1Division of Aquaculture and Upgrading (DivAV), Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA, I.P.), Av. Brasília, 1449-006 Lisbon, Portugal; Guia Marine Laboratory, Center of Oceanography, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon (FCUL), Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
Abstract:
The influence of seasonal and environmental parameters on the occurrence of bacteria was investigated in two clam species (Venerupis pullastra and Ruditapes philippinarum), water and sediment from the Tagus estuary. Total viable counts (TVC), Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Vibrio spp. were evaluated during one-year. Overall, significant seasonal variations were found in both sampling sites, especially for E. coli and Vibrio spp. levels. In summer, significantly higher Vibrio spp. levels were found in R. philippinarum and sediment samples, but not in V. pullastra clams and water samples. In contrast, significantly higher TVC and E. coli levels were observed in winter months in water and sediment samples. Salmonella spp. was generally isolated when higher levels of E. coli were detected, particularly in R. philippinarum. This study is useful for authorities to develop monitoring strategies for coastal contamination and to estimate human health risks associated with the consumption of bivalves.
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