STUDY OF MICROBIOLOGICAL POLLUTION OF A PLEASURE BOAT HARBOR USING MUSSELS AS BIOINDICATORS

The bacteriological analysis of samples of the mussel Mytilus gallopro vincialis, used as a biological indicator, has shown a microbiological pollution of Saint Gervais harbour in the gulf of Fos. Experiments we re carried out with the use of classical tests (faecal coliforms, faec al streptococci, salmonellae) taking into account the study of the env ironmental factors able to modify the physiological activity of mussel s (wind, rain, temperature, salinity, turbidity). The highest values, which sometimes widely exceeded the French and European guidelines reg arding edible shellfish, were revealed in summer but also during the w eekends of Whitsun and All Saints' day, times when boat activity was g reatest. The absence of storm and wastewater outlets and the stability of the meteorological conditions at the times of sampling show that t his pollution is directly connected to the pleasure boats, the toilets of which flow into the harbour in most cases. The present study of th is small harbour demonstrates the importance of boats being fitted wit h toilets to prevent the flow of faecal material into the ambient wate rs. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.