Development of a New Predictive index (Bathing Water Quality Index, BWQI) Based on Escherichia coli Physiological States for Bathing Waters Monitoring

Bacterial pathogens in coastal aquatic ecosystems pose a potential public health hazard for bathing water use. The European Bathing Water Directive (2006/7/EC) currently relies on the culturability of fecal pollution bacterial indicators such as Escherichia coli, without considering dormant or quiescent (Viable But Not Culturable, VBNC) cells, whose possible resuscitation after bathers ingestion cannot be excluded. Standard methods are also time-consuming and therefore hardly meet early warning needs marine monitoring. To solve this issue, new index, Quality Index (BWQI), has here been developed, allowing to identify most favorable zones recreational index was calculated by combining numerical simulations living E. coli abundances their residence times. specifically set up model with different physiological states whole population, an ad hoc experiment based fluorescent antibody method performed. BWQI application Santa Marinella area highlights risk human zone frequented bathers. This study provides predictive tool support preventive decisions competent authorities properly protect bathers’ health, stressing need improved environmental