Microbiological quality and environmental factors of estuarine area of Iguape Bay Marine Reserve (Bahia) for cultivation of native oysters

ABSTRACT: The objective was to verify the microbiological quality of water used in oyster cultivation in Iguape Bay, Bahia, and its correlation with environmental factors and tidal variations. Thirty six samples of surface water were collected from three oyster cultivation areas, totalizing 12 collections. The concentrations of total and thermotolerant coliforms were determined using the multiple tube test - Most Probable Number (MPN.100 mL-1). The environmental variables assessed in the water samples were: pH, temperature, salinity, turbidity, rainfall and tidal. Total coliforms and thermotolerant coliforms MPN values ranged from