Beach Sand Dirtier Than the Water
Beach Sand Dirtier Than the Water – Science – redOrbit
Beach sand often contains higher levels of E.coli and other fecal bacteria than water at the beach, U.S researchers said.
The U.S. Geological Survey said research suggests beach closings due to elevated fecal indicator bacteria may be linked to contaminated beach sand. The findings are among the topics that will be discussed in Indiana at the Great Lakes Beach Association conference Sept. 16-17.
“Over the last few years, we’ve identified an important source of indicator bacteria and how these bacteria may negatively influence recreation, but this is the first time experts have actually met to discuss this issue collectively,” Richard Whitman, head of the Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station, said in a release.
USGS said bacteria are often present in the sand in high concentrations independent of any recent contamination events. The bacteria can also be re-suspended into the beach water by onshore winds and high waves.