Abstract

RAMOS-ORTEGA, LINA MARÍA; VIDAL, LUÍS A; VILARDY, SANDRA  and  SAAVEDRA-DIAZ, LINA. Analysis Of The Microbiological Contamination (Total And Fecales Coliforms) In The Bay Of Santa Marta, Colombian Caribbean. Acta biol.Colomb. [online]. 2008, vol.13, n.3, pp.85-96. ISSN 0120-548X.

With the purpose of making an analysis of the microbiological level of contamination and the main sources of contamination in the Bay of Santa Marta (BSM), water samples were collected to measure the concentrations of total and fecals coliforms in 11 stations and two levels of depth (1 and 20 m). For the time of greater precipitations were stops values of total and fecals coliforms, in both depth levels; appearing a similar condition for the dry time. Based on a conceptual scale it was obtained that the BSM presents an average degree of contamination for activities of primary contact (swimming and diving), nevertheless, exist several sources of contamination (submarine emissary, river, seaport, among others) that are generating a high impact on this ecosystem. The high values of contamination that are registered in the BSM find associate to the proximity that has this to the urban zones.

Keywords : coliforms; microbiological contamination; bay of Santa Marta; Colombian Caribbean.

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