Spatial and temporal heterogeneity of bacteria across an intertidal shellfish bed: implications for regulatory monitoring of faecal indicator organisms.

摘要: Routine bacterial monitoring of shellfish beds using indicator species is a common global practice designed to prevent human consumption contaminated products. However, current bacteriological procedures which focus on the quantification faecal organisms (FIOs) as proxy for microbial pollution may not be representative total contamination levels present in harvesting areas. The objective this study was critically assess accuracy strategies by quantifying spatial (lateral and longitudinal distance) temporal (seasonality tidal state) concentrations FIOs (Escherichia coli coliforms) within single intertidal commercially harvested bed. Spatial FIO dynamics, including effects state seasonality, were quantified mussel flesh sediment samples from (Mytilus edulis) Our results confirmed that across bed heterogeneous over larger scales, but showed no relation autochthonous bacteria, such Vibrio spp., or physico-chemical parameters sediment. These have important implications both public health economic prosperity industry, demonstrate importance accommodating fluctuations routine protocols. We conclude accurately represent areas more robust microbiological testing need developing.