Coliform enumeration in mussel-growing waters from Niteroi city, RJ-BrazilWater samples from five different sites on Guanabara Bay (Icaraí, Boa Viagem, Santa Cruz, Piratininga, and Rio Branco) were analyzed for estimated numbers of coliform and Escherichiacoli. Water pH, salt concentration, and temperature were measuredin the sampling place. E.coli countings for samples collected in Icaraí, Boa Viagem, and Santa Cruz were usually higher than the values legallyaccepted by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture. In Piratininga and Rio Branco, respectively, 92.3% and 100% of the sampleshad countings of lessthan 3 E.coli/100ml. A significant correlation was found between total coliforms and E. coli countings. The average water temperature and pH were equal in the investigated sites. By contrast, water salinity, total coliforms, and E. coli counts were statistically equal in Icaraí, Boa Viagem, and Santa Cruz, but different when compared to samples collected in Piratininga and Rio Branco. Nevertheless, samples collected in Piratininga and Rio Branco were statistically similar in these two sites. Results indicate that water from Icaraí, Boa Viagem, and Santa Cruz are unsuitable for cultivating and/or harvesting bivalves for human consumption.
Coliform; Escherichia coli; water quality; Guanabara Bay
