The microbiological quality of bathing waters in the city of Tangier

In Morocco, 60% of wastewater from coastal cities is discharged into the sea without any prior treatment.These marine discharges pose a threat to human health (swimming, water sports, fishing) and animal health (exploitable marine resources).The present study was conducted to assess the bacteriological quality of bathing waters at Sidi Kacem Beach in Tangier, Morocco.The bacteriological analysis focused on pollution indicator germs, including fecal coliforms (E.coli) and fecal streptococci.The analyses showed that the frequency of exceeding the mandatory limit for Escherichia coli and fecal streptococci was over 100%, indicating poor water quality for swimming, classifying this area as Class D. All nine stations, deemed non-compliant for swimming during this season, are influenced by wastewater discharges and experience a high concentration of swimmers, combined with inadequate hygiene infrastructure.Bathing waters are generally classified into four categories, with categories A and B being compliant, and categories C and D not meeting the standards.