Microbiology of sands and its impact on human health

Carvalho-Fonseca, Rita; Solo-Gabriele, Helena; Matias-Dias, Carlos; Brandão, João

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.18/4639

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Authors

Carvalho-Fonseca, Rita

Solo-Gabriele, Helena

Matias-Dias, Carlos

Brandão, João

Abstract(s)

Issue: Recent studies suggest that sand constitute a reservoir potential pathogenic microorganisms at beach sites, sandboxes and recreational areas world-wide, leading to public health threats, health costs and economic losses. Recreational water quality monitoring mainly focus on bacterial indicators that cause gastro-intestinal (GI) illness. Description of the problem: The most recent European bathing water directive indicates that areas surrounding recreational water constitute a possible contamination source. However the directive lacks the 2003 WHO recommendation of sand monitoring, especially in regions where beach users stay mainly on the sand due to low water temperatures. Recent epidemiological studies and data collected during a 5 year beach sand monitoring program of the Portuguese coast support this recommendation.

Keywords

Public Health Sand Microbiology Recommendations Beach Sand Gastro-intestinal Illness Agentes Microbianos e Ambiente Infecções Sistémicas e Zoonoses Infecções Gastrointestinais