Water quality for aquaculture development in Bahía Blanca estuary, Argentina. Bacteriological studies.

The present bacteriological report is part of an institutional multidisciplinary research project designed to study the factibility of using a tidal channel, located in the southern part of the Canal Principal in Bahía Blanca Estuary for aquaculture. Three sampling stations were located. Samples were taken in six opportunities from both water and sediments. Bacteriological studies from water included quantification of heterotrophic marine bacteria, heterotrophic terrestrial bacteria, total coliforms, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Escherichia coli and hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria were quantified from sediments. It is important to include the latter physiological group since their size reflects the presence and fluctuations of this type of pollutant in the environment. The evaluation of faecal indicator values leads to the conclusion that the organic matter present in the studied area, does not come directly from the domestic sewage. The bacteriological data suggest that the studied area would be suitable for aquaculture. Nevertheless, further monitorings contributing to detected modifications in the present bacteriological conditions are recommended.