Bacterial Contamination on Beaches by Contaminated Effluents and Its Effect on Public Health: A Case Study in La Libertad, Peru
Cabanillas-Chirinos L.A.; Diaz Del Aguila K.; Rey-Vilela Y.; Mariños-Lozada V.S. · International Journal of Environmental Science and Development (2025) · DOI: 10.18178/ijesd.2025.16.6.1553
Resumen
Beaches have become very popular tourist destinations for both local and international visitors. However, the bacterial contamination they suffer from constitutes an environmental and public health issue that affects numerous coastal communities worldwide. This study aims to investigate and understand the dynamics of bacterial contamination in beaches due to contaminated effluents. A total of twenty samples were collected from four selected sites (P1: contaminated river, P2: mixing zone, P3 and P4: one kilometer to the left and right of the mixing zone) in the district of Víctor Larco, La Libertad, between October and December 2024. Standardized microbiological techniques and procedures, along with the Vitek2 system, were used to identify bacterial groups and species. The results indicated high levels of microbiological contamination, with elevated concentrations of thermotolerant coliforms and Escherichia coli, making the area unsuitable for recreational use. E. coli was the most prevalent bacterium, alongside Enterococcus faecalis, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Proteus mirabilis. Furthermore, it was found that 3 of the 20 strains of E. coli showed higher resistance to Ampicillin (AMP), Ceftriaxone (CRO), Ciprofloxacin (CIP), and Gentamicin (GEN), while all other strains of E. coli, E. faecalis, E. cloacae, E. aerogenes, and P. mirabilis were sensitive to the 11 antibiotics evaluated. The research concludes that the discharge of wastewater in coastal areas and exposure to contaminated waters can cause infections and diseases in swimmers, especially during the high summer season when the influx of people to beaches is higher. Copyright
Instituciones: Universidad César Vallejo