Microbial aspects of beach sand quality
(2003). Microbial aspects of beach sand quality
, in: World Health Organization Guidelines for safe recreational water environments: Volume 1. Coastal and fresh waters. pp. 118-127
In: World Health Organization (2003). Guidelines for safe recreational water environments: Volume 1. Coastal and fresh waters. World Health Organization: Geneva. ISBN 92 4 154580 1. xxxii, 219 pp., more
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| Abstract |
Beaches represent the unconsolidated sediment that lies at the junction between water (oceans, lakes and rivers) and land and are usually composed of sand, mud or pebbles. From a recreational viewpoint, sand beaches are sought after. Especially in higher latitudes, a significant percentage of time is spent on the beach itself rather than in the water. Microorganisms are a significant component of beach sand. Bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses have all been isolated from beach sand. A number of genera and species that may be encountered through contact with sand are potential pathogens. Accordingly, concern has been expressed that beach sand or similar materials may act as reservoirs or vectors of infection (Nestor et al., 1984; Roses Codinachs et al., 1988; Mendes et al., 1997), although transmission by this route has not been demonstrated in epidemiological studies. In this chapter, the incidence, dispersion and fate of microorganisms in beach sand are reviewed, as are potential management actions. |
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