Sanitary study of surface water and of the beach of a water sports and leisure complex

Abstract

SUMMARYThis report presents the parasitological, bacteriological, mycological and physicochemical data obtained from both surface water and beach sand of a lake used for water sports. These show that the lake is contaminated in both winter and spring by water which overflows from the River Maine, and is self-purified by a mechanism of 'lagunage'. In summer signs of pollution are at their lowest level although use of the complex is at its peak. Conversely, the amoebic flora, which is independent of the usual criteria of pollution, predominates in summer, and serves as a marker for the need for increased surveillance. The sand of the beaches does not appear to show any infectious hazard. Environmental pressure will doubtless change these data over a period of time, and it is planned to monitor this.

Indicator microbes correlate with pathogenic bacteria, yeasts and helminthes in sand at a subtropical recreational beach site

“…In a study conducted by WHO/UNEP (1994), sand sediments were identified as a necessary component of microbiological studies to evaluate health risks. Some studies have shown that beach sand does not pose a significant health risk because of the lack of infectious hazards (Chabasse et al. 1986), while other studies have corroborated the relationship of beach sand to health factors.…”

“…In a study conducted by WHO ⁄ UNEP (1994), sand sediments were identified as a necessary component of microbiological studies to evaluate health risks. Some studies have shown that beach sand does not pose a significant health risk because of the lack of infectious hazards (Chabasse et al 1986), while other studies have corroborated the relationship of beach sand to health factors. For example, a study published by Heaney et al (2009) indicated a positive association between persons digging in the sand and the development of reported gastrointestinal illnesses, with an even stronger correlation noticed for those who reported burial in sand.…”

Microbes in beach sands: integrating environment, ecology and public health

“…For example, Chabasse et al (1986) conducted a bacteriological, parasitological, and mycological investigation of beach sand on a lake in France and concluded that beach sands did not show any infectious hazards. Conversely, other studies have detected pathogens in beach sand and suggested they pose a health risk (Elmanama et al 2005; Sanchez et al 1986; Shah et al 2011; Stevens et al 2012; Yamahara et al 2012).…”