THE OCCURRENCE OF MESOPHILIC AEROMONADS SPECIES IN MARINE RECREATIONAL WATERS OF VALENCIA (SPAIN)

In this study aeromonads were isolated in the eight zones analyzed. The numbers of aeromonads varied from one zone to the other and reflected the proximity of the zone to the terrestrial effluents. The concentration of aeromonads exceeded those of fecal coliforms in several samples. No significant seasonal variations were observed in the aeromonads populations in the majority of zones analyzed and water temperature seemed to have little effect on their growth. A. caviae was found to be predominating, followed by A. hydrophila and A. sobria. In general, the correlation coefficients between mesophilic aeromonads and their standard biologic indicator bacteria were higher in fecal polluted zones than in zones with a low fecal pollution.