An Assessment of Fecal Coliform Bacteria in Cruise Ship Wastewater Discharge

The Science Advisory Panel (SAP) evaluated the potential for microbiological environmental and public health impacts of wastewater discharges from large passenger ships. Historically, fecal coliform bacteria have been used to indicate the presence of sewage in environmental waters and as an index of the sanitary quality of the water. Because fecal coliform are always found in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals, they signal the presence of wastewater and the potential presence of other microorganisms capable of causing diseases including viruses. The discharge and fate of fecal coliform from large passenger ships was examined in the context of Alaska state standards related to secondary contact through recreation and primary contact through consumption of raw shellfish. Available data, coupled with relevant dilutions, did not indicate that large passenger ship discharges would cause violations of the recreational water quality standards, and recommendations were made aimed at minimizing risks to shellfish areas.