Grayce P. Storey
On a hot and muggy day we all would enjoy the beach. A down side to a frolicking day at the beach is contaminated water. Contamination can be caused by diseased causing microorganisms referred to as pathogens (bacteria and viruses). The disease producing organisms that can cause typhoid, dysentery, diarrhea, cholera and hepatitis. Contaminated water by pathogens can cause both economical and social problems.
Pathogens in the Long Island Sound can enter from sewage, wildlife, and storm water runoff. The sewage comes from inadequate municipal treatment plants, failing septic systems, and untreated boat discharge.
There is no test for determining the number of pathogenic organisms, but there is a test that counts indicator organisms. The indicator organisms are coliform bacteria which is commonly found in the intestinal track of humans and other warm blooded animals. These organisms can be found in water runoff. These bacterias are not harmful to humans but their presence indicates other pathogenic organisms may also be present.