Boukef, I., Bejaoui, B., Hassan, M. B., Mraouna, R., Got, P., Harzallah, A., et al. (2012). Spatial distribution and decay rates of coliforms in the sediments and water column of the bizerte lagoon. Vie Milieu, 62(1), 29–36.
Résumé: In order to assess the impact of bacterial input loads in Bizerte lagoon (Northern Tunisia), a seasonal survey was done for total coliform bacteria covering the whole lagoon area, to reproduce and prevent dispersion of input loads of terrestrial discharges in the lagoon. Effect of solar radiation on Escherichia coli strains was investigated using seawater microcosms comparatively exposed to sunlight and dark conditions. The results revealed (i) high charges of coliforms in the sediment rather than in the water column, (ii) total coliforms increased periodically with season in both compartments, (iii) anthropogenic discharges influence coastal areas of the lagoon, and (iv) solar radiation has an effect on decay rate of E. coli maintained in microcosm experiments.
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Boukef, I., El Bour, M., Al Gallas, N., El Bahri, O., Mejri, S., Mraouna, R., et al. (2010). Survival of Escherichia coli Strains in Mediterranean Brackish Water in the Bizerte Lagoon in Northern Tunisia. Water Environ Res, 82(11), 2249–2257.
Résumé: This study investigated survival and virulence of Escherichia coli strains exposed to natural conditions in brackish water. Two E. coli strains (O126:B16 and O55:B5) were incubated in water microcosms in the Bizerte lagoon in Northern Tunisia and exposed for 12 days to natural sunlight in June (231 to 386 W/m(2), 26 +/- 1 degrees C, 30 g/L) and in April (227 to 330 W/m(2), 17 +/- 1 degrees C, 27 g/L) or maintained in darkness for 21 days (17 +/- 1 degrees C, 27 g/L). The results revealed that sunlight was the most significant inactivating factor (decrease of 3 Ulog within 48 hours for the two strains) compared to salinity and temperature (in darkness). Survival time of the strains was prolonged as they were maintained in darkness. Local strain (E. coli O55:B5) showed better survival capacity (T(90) = 52 hours) than E. coli O126:B16 (T(90) = 11 h). For both, modifications were noted only for some metabolic activities of carbohydrates hydrolysis. Cytotoxicity of the two strains, tested on Vero cell, was maintained during the period of survival. Water Environ. Res., 82, 2249 (2010).
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