Abstract
A survey of fecal indicator bacteria—Total Coliforms, Fecal Coliforms, and Fecal Streptococci—was conducted along the Gaza Strip coastline between October 2003 and September 2004. The study aimed to assess seawater hygiene and to provide an indication of the extent of fecal contamination resulting from the direct discharge of untreated domestic sewage into the marine environment. Such baseline data are essential for developing effective monitoring strategies and management plans for the coastal zone.
The results demonstrated clear evidence of seawater pollution. Mean Total Coliform counts ranged from 4,800 to 15,000 CFU/100 ml, Fecal Coliform counts ranged from 2,000 to 12,000 CFU/100 ml, and Fecal Streptococci counts ranged from 1,100 to 6,100 CFU/100 ml. The highest mean values for all bacterial indicators were recorded during the winter season, whereas the lowest values occurred during summer across all sampling sites. The ratio of Fecal Coliforms to Fecal Streptococci was 2:1.