A Preliminary Approximation to Microbiological Beach Sand Quality along the Coast of the Department of Atlántico (Caribbean Sea of Colombia): Influence of the Magdalena River

Beaches represent important economic resources linked to “Sun, Sea and Sand” tourism and, therefore, their water quality constitutes an issue of great relevance especially in developing countries. The main objective this work was determine the microbial beach sediments along Caribbean coast Department Atlántico (Colombia) its relationships with existence local sources contamination (e.g., streams containing wastewaters), exposition waves, quantity visitors—which is reflected by typology urban, rural, etc.), presence tourist activities/infrastructures sand sedimentological characteristics. Along study area, samples were gathered face backshore areas at 11 sectors microbiological counts three faecal indicator bacteria, i.e., Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp. Clostridium perfringens, determined. A homogeneous distribution recorded coli perfringens both sediments, order 5 2 log CFU/100 mL, respectively; was, places, not observed sediments. No existed between, on one side, bacteria considered other activities/infrastructures, typology, waves characteristics sands. Such results suggest a chronic heavily polluted load Magdalena River.