The microbiological quality of bathing waters in the city of Tangier
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1
Natural Resources and Sustainable Development Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, BP133,14000 Kenitra, Morocco
2
Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Laboratory of Biotechnology Conservation and Valorization of Bioesources (LBCVBR), 30000 Fez, Morocco
3
Natural Resources Management and Development Team, Laboratory of Health and Environment, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco. /
Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques of Fez, Annex Meknes,Morocco.
4
Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques of Fez, Annex
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Corresponding author
Fatima Zahra Talbi
Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Laboratory of Biotechnology Conservation and Valorization of Bioesources (LBCVBR), 30000 Fez, Morocco
Ecol. Eng. Environ. Technol. 2025; 1:388-394
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ABSTRACT
In Morocco, 60% of wastewater from coastal cities is discharged into the sea without any prior treatment. These marine discharges pose a threat to human health (swimming, water sports, fishing) and animal health (exploitable marine resources). The present study was conducted to assess the bacteriological quality of bathing waters at Sidi Kacem Beach in Tangier, Morocco. The bacteriological analysis focused on pollution indicator germs, including fecal coliforms (E. coli) and fecal streptococci. The analyses showed that the frequency of exceeding the mandatory limit for Escherichia coli and fecal streptococci was over 100%, indicating poor water quality for swimming, classifying this area as Class D. All nine stations, deemed non-compliant for swimming during this season, are influenced by wastewater discharges and experience a high concentration of swimmers, combined with inadequate hygiene infrastructure. Bathing waters are generally classified into four categories, with categories A and B being compliant, and categories C and D not meeting the standards.