Evaluation of the quality of wet and dry sand in Velipoja beach (Albania) through microbiological parameters

Microorganisms are natural inhabitants of beach sands. The levels of pathogenic microorganisms in beach sands can increase through direct deposition from human activities, wastewater discharges, and animals. In this study, the presence of pathogenic microorganisms and faecal pollution (E. coli and E. faecalis) was evaluated in the sandy beach of Velipoja, which was monitored during the period April - September 2024 (once a month) in 5 sampling stations with a total of 90 samples (dry sand, wet sand and seawater) were collected and analysed for microbiological parameters. All stations were evaluated using the beach sand classification under the Blue Flag program. Escherichia coli concentration during sampling period ranged from 0 to 52 CFU/g. The maximum value of Escherichia coli was registered in August. This high pollution is a consequence of a surface water discharge channel. Enterococci faecalis concentration during sampling period ranged from 2 to 80 CFU/g. The maximum value of 80 CFU/g was observed at station 4. Based on the results obtained, Velipoja beach does not represent any risk to human health.