Abstract

MONTIEL-MORA, José R.  and  GOMEZ-RAMIREZ, Eddy. Physicochemical and microbiological quality of coastal water in Nicoya, Costa Rica: comparison of three beaches with different tourism impact and administration. Cuadernos de Investigación UNED [online]. 2023, vol.15, n.2, pp.77-90. ISSN 1659-4266.  http://dx.doi.org/10.22458/urj.v15i2.4763.

Introduction: Socioeconomic growth has caused pressure on marine ecosystems, and there is little information that can be used for the management of beaches in Nicoya, Costa Rica. Objective: To determine the physicochemical and microbiological quality of marine-coastal water in Nicoya, Costa Rica. Methods: In October 2021, and May and June 2022, we used standard methods to assess physicochemical and microbiological water conditions, in three beaches with different administrations and number of tourists. Results: Water temperature ranged between 26,1°C to 31,2°C, salinity between 22 to 31ups, dissolved oxygen from 3,6 to 7,3mg/L, and total suspended hydrocarbon values were below the detection limit. Higher fecal contamination was found in the rainy season, with maximum values of 3,5x103 NMP/100mL fecal coliforms, 1,1x103 NMP/100mL Escherichia coli and 2,4x103 NMP/100mL Enteroccocus faecalis. Conclusion: While fecal contamination was high during the rainy season, physicochemical parameters were acceptable in the three beaches.

Keywords : Pollution; Integrated Coastal Management; Fecal Indicator Bacteria; Indicators..

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