- Dona Paula, Goa, India.
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Abstract Submission No. | ABS-2022-09-0126 |
Title of Abstract | Seasonal variations in the water quality and antibiotic resistance of microbial pollution indicators in the Mandovi and Zuari estuaries, Goa, India. |
Authors | Ashwini D. Toraskar, Abigayle D. Gomes*, Antony Ajith, Ashutosh S. Parab, Cathrine S. Manohar, Durbar Ray |
Organisation | - |
Address | S-1, Heritage Wendy's Rusticity, Second floor, Caranzalem-Goa. Panaji, Goa, India Pincode: 403004 Mobile: 9359265475 E-mail: ashwinitoraskar21@gmail.com |
Country | India |
Presentation | Poster |
Abstract | Seasonal variations in the water quality and antibiotic resistance of microbial pollution indicators in the Mandovi and Zuari estuaries, Goa, India. Ashwini D Toraskar, Abigayle D Gomes, Antony Ajith, Ashutosh S Parab, Cathrine S Manohar, Durbar Ray CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula- Goa. The coastal environment and estuaries of India are under immense stress due to the discharge and disposal of domestic and industrial wastes from point and non-point sources as a result of the rapid growth of population and commercial activities. The Mandovi-Zuari estuarine complex situated in Goa along the west coast of India plays a vital role in the economic development of the state. In the present study, changes in the water quality and levels of microbial pollution of these estuarine habitats were determined during the pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon season in 2019 -2020. The Water Quality Index (WQI) was estimated based on the parameters; temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand and nutrients. The seasonal changes in the microbial pollution load were also assessed based on the abundance of pollution indicator organisms (PIOs) and their resistivity towards multiple antibiotics. The WQI computed show that the overall water quality conditions remain considerably good due to the annual southwest monsoon. It has a positive impact on the major physicochemical parameters such as temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen levels. Studies on the microbial load and the levels of PIOs especially based on CFUs also suggest that the load of bacteria is increased in the pre and post-monsoon period and the numbers are reduced during the monsoon period. However, the MAR indices determined for the different PIOs suggest that the water quality is not completely safe during the monsoon season due to increased terrestrial load, which could bring in PIOs with a very high MAR index. Bacteria with > 0.2 MAR index are considered to be highly detrimental to the health of the individuals exposed to these microbes. In this study, we have observed that during the monsoon season an isolate with the highest MAR index of 0.94 was obtained. This shows that the seasonal changes along with the increased terrestrial load from different sources can alter the water quality in the estuarine region and the virulence of the microbes in these habitats. Mandovi and Zuari estuaries are well ventilated by the annual monsoonal rains and the water quality status is maintained by the increased river runoff each year. However, this study emphasizes the need to study not only the physicochemical parameters and the microbial numbers, but also the antibiotic sensitivity of the PIOs present in the habitat. Any reduction in the monsoonal rains and an increase in the number of antibiotic-resistant PIOs entering the estuarine habitat can alter the microbial community structure. Hence, adequate treatment of urban runoff and terrestrial inputs into the estuarine regions has to be undertaken. Studies on the MAR of the PIOs in the estuary also need to be taken up to ensure the long-term safety of those dependent on the estuarine habitat for their livelihood. This can play an important role to frame policies for sustainable development and conservation of these ecologically important coastal zones. |