Abstract:
This study was an attempt to determine the bacteriological quality of water along the coast of Chonburi and Rayong provinces collected during October, 1999 to August, 2000, from 30 sampling stations. The number of coliform bacteria and fecial coliform were analyzed by multiple tube fermentation technique. The total viable bacteria number in water and sediment samples samples were determined by plate count technique.The result of the study showed that the bacteria amount in natural protection zone was in the range of coastal water quality standard for swimming that is the total coliform bachteria should not exceed 1,000 MPN/100 ml. The amount of indicator bacteria, total coliform, fecal coliform, heterotrophic bacteria and total Vibrio were found low in both seasons. In fishing and aquaculture zone at stations in Bangpakong estuary and Sriracha revealed the number of total coliform bacteria, fecal coliform, heterotrophic bacteria and total Bibrio were higher in all seasons. The amount of the bacteria detected was found to exceed the standard of seawater for aquaculture througn the year with highest values at 5,000 and 2,200 MPN/100 ml., respectively. The water quality in the swimming zone at Bangsaen beach was found in acceptable range. At Pattaya beach station detected the amount of the total coliform bacteria exceeded the standard of seawater for swimming with highest value at 5,000 MPN/100 ml. The urban residential zone of Rayong estuary station displayed poor water quality with high numbers of total coliform bacteria, fecal coliform, heterotrophic bacteria and total Vibrio. However, in the industrial zone, total coliform bacteria, fecal coliform, heterotrophic bacteria and total Vibrio were found low in both seasons. The physical and chemical water qualities at stations studied were not different from those of coastal seawater.