INVESTIGAÇÃO DA CONTAMINAÇÃO DAS PRAIAS DE SANTOS E SÃO VICENTE

Abstract

The bacteriological investigation of contamination of the beaches of Santos and São Vicente consisted of the examination for bacteria of the coliform group following the standard methods of the American Public Health Association, and covered approximately 20 kilometers of beach. 460 samples (with a total of 5,520 portions ir,oculated), collected from 23 different points( see map) were examined. The results - frequency of coliforms expressed in M.P.N. per 100 ml and tabulated in the 3 tables presented - reveal evidence of considerable degree of contamination of the beaches in question, excepting the last sampling points from Praia Grande and one or another point along the beaches of São Vicente and Santos; the contamination reaches the highest levei in the first kilometers of Praia Grande, as was to be expected due to the nearly discharge of the sewage systems of the two cities. Various North American standards of acceptability for natural bathing areas are given. The sanitary conditions of the beaches studied are compared, using some of the North American standards as a basis. The problem of dassification of these waters is discussed. The establishment, by the State, of standards of acceptability for natural bathing waters, and methods of investigation and sanitary control of the principal beaches are recommended, as well as immediate adoption of a new system of sewage disposal in Santos and São Vicente.