Determination of spatio-temporal influences on the distribution of fecal indicator organisms along the north-west coast of India

Abstract

Coastal ecosystem is susceptible to discharge of untreated sewage waste. The present study is aimed to determine water quality status prevailing along the north-west coast of India by monitoring spatial and temporal variations associated with fecal indicator organisms (FIOs) (namely, total coliforms, fecal coliforms, <em>Escherichia coli</em> and <em>Streptococcus fecalis</em>) along the five designated coastal water sites – Veraval, Hazira, Mumbai, Ratnagiri and Malvan for years (2012-14). Spatial waters illustrated that the concentration of FIOs significantly reduced away from the shoreline. Temporal-based sampling elucidates decreasing trend in fecal loads: Monsoon>post-monsoon>pre-monsoon. Based on the resemblance of water quality characteristics applied by hierarchical cluster analysis, these sites were grouped into three categories: Comparatively less polluted, moderately polluted and highly polluted. Regular trends in coastal FIOs variability, collective information about water quality and environmental factors appear useful for monitoring and management towards pollution encumbered at coastal region.