| Beach samples from the Belgian coast and the Nieuwpoort Channel have been examined for (a) coliform and other common bacteria and (b) more serious pathogens, to determine from their distribution the influence of season, tide, presence of human and other animals and of effluent. There were more coliforms in summer than in spring. State of tides had no significant effect on coliform numbers. The dry sand above HWM, occupied by holidaymakers, was as polluted as intertidal sand. Sand in the Channel near a sewage outfall was rich in coliforms. <i>Salmonella paratyphi </i> B was also found, but no <i>Shigella</i> spp., although <i>Shigella phages</i> were present. |
