EVALUATION OF SEAWATER QUALITY ALONG THE COASTLINE OF SOUTH ADRIATIC, ALBANIA.

Coastal tourism has a great role in the Albanian economy. In recent years, there has been an increase in public awareness regarding seawater quality. Beach water quality is affected by a point source (such as sewage outfalls) and a non-point source of contamination (such as stormwater runoff, sand resuspension, animal fecal inputs, and human bather shedding). Contaminated seawater could cause several health consequences for beach users. International regulations usually assess water quality by the quantification of fecal indicator bacteria. This study aimed to evaluate the seawater quality in eight beaches along the Southern Adriatic. Settings and Design: The, microbiological and physic-chemical analysis of recreation seawater. Water samples were taken monthly from January to December 2021 in eight stations and eventually distributed on this coastline. Methods and Material: Fecal bacteria is determined using MPN techniques and EC media, while physic-chemical parameters were estimated using standard methods. Results: High values of coliform bacteria were observed in four sampling stations, beaches classified as: urban, near harbors, and delta river. Conclusions: According to the obtained data, monitoring programs have to be focused especially in urban areas and in tourist beach sites. This could enhance microbiological water quality and consequently, beachgoer’s safety and touristic beach attractiveness to international visitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]