Microbial and nutrient pollution assessment of coastal and creek waters of northern U.A.E.

Enumeration and distribution of heterotrophic, salt-tolerant heterotrophic, Gram-negative, total and faecal coliform bacteria, and dominant genera of bacteria, in addition to nutrients concentrations, were carried out for one year as part of a large scale project aimed at determining the pollution levels in the coastal and creek waters of Northern United Arab Emirates (UAE). The results showed a distinct pattern for the microbial populations, where bacterial numbers peaked through April to May followed by a dramatically sharp decrease in the summer months and a minimum in August. This was followed by a second peak in October and a subsequent drop during winter. Nutrient levels were generally normal to that of sea water, however, sharp fluctuations occurred in the concentration of ammonia and therefore, total dissolved nitrogen, in some of the sites. Total and faecal coliforms fluctuated in numbers at different sites depending on several factors including the presence of nearby drains and wastewater outlets or recreational areas. The predominant heterotrophic bacterial genera and the common coliform species present in the studied area were identified. It was concluded that there is a small degree of microbial pollution in these coastal areas, and recommendations on more stringent measures to prevent further pollution were suggested.