Im. Banat et al., MICROBIAL AND NUTRIENT POLLUTION ASSESSMENT OF COASTAL AND CREEK WATERS OF NORTHERN UAE, Environment international, 19(6), 1993, pp. 569-578
Enumeration and distribution of heterotrophic, salt-tolerant heterotro
phic, Gram-negative, total and faecal coliform bacteria, and dominant
genera of bacteria, in addition to nutrients concentrations, were carr
ied out for one year as part of a large scale project aimed at determi
ning the pollution levels in the coastal and creek waters of Northern
United Arab Emirates (UAE). The results showed a distinct pattern for
the microbial populations, where bacterial numbers peaked through Apri
l to May followed by a dramatically sharp decrease in the summer month
s and a minimum in August. This was followed by a second peak in Octob
er and a subsequent drop during winter. Nutrient levels were generally
normal to that of sea water, however, sharp fluctuations occurred in
the concentration of ammonia and therefore, total dissolved nitrogen,
in some of the sites. Total and faecal coliforms fluctuated in numbers
at different sites depending on several factors including the presenc
e of nearby drains and wastewater outlets or recreational areas. The p
redominant heterotrophic bacterial genera and the common coliform spec
ies present in the studied area were identified. It was concluded that
there is a small degree of microbial pollution in these coastal areas
, and recommendations on more stringent measures to prevent further po
llution were suggested.