Pollution monitoring of coastal and estuarine areas: I. Bacterial indicators along the south Gujarat coast

A study was undertaken to assess the validity of enteric and supplemental b acterial indicators along the 115-km length of the south Gujarat region (In dia). Enteric organisms like Proteus and Klebsiella, Escherichia coli, Salm onella and Shigella were detected in 74, 25, 4 and 2 % respectively of the 47 samples. Supplemental indicators such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vib rio cholerae like organisms were retrieved in 8 and 4 % of samples whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa like organisms could not be detected. Total coliform s and total vibrios were retrieved in 27 and 55 % of the samples, The valid ity of these bacterial groups as water quality indicators is discussed with statistical relations. It is suggested that inclusion of these groups coul d be made mandatory in coastal and estuarine waters for the environmental i mpact assessment.