Purpose: The aim of this work was to determine some microbial characteristics of Mytilus galloprovincialis harvested from four stations, located in Izmir coastal area (Eastern Aegean Sea, Turkey). The area along the Izmir coast is densely populated, and it includes extensive agricultural lands, industrial and domestic discharge. Shellfish contamination from sewage-polluted waters is very important for public health.
Materials and methods: Mussel samples were collected by SCUBA equipment. While, counts of culturable heterotrophic bacteria (aerobic, mesophilic) in samples were determined by the spread plate method, fecal coliforms were enumerated by the most probable number (MPN) method using the standard five-tube method. Additionally, samples were evaluated with the presence of Salmonella spp.
Results and discussion: The results showed that levels of fecal coliforms determined were higher than the allowed limit (>300 MPN/100 g) in all the stations during the study period. Maximum fecal coliform count was observed in all of the stations in March, May and November as 2.4 × 10(5) MPN/100 g. The mean number of culturable heterotrophic bacteria varied between 1.7 × 10(5) and 6.7 × 10(6) CFU/100g, and maximum heterotrophic bacteria level was recorded in March 2006. In addition, the presence of Salmonella spp. was positive in one or more stations in all periods except for January.
Conclusion: The results obtained from this study can be of use to prevent potentially harmful adverse effects of microorganisms from polluted waters and shellfish. Necessary hygienic measurements should be regularly taken and shellfish products should certainly not be consumed raw or undercooked.