Contaminación Microbiológica en los Ríos Manta y Muerto de Manta, Ecuador: Evaluación de Riesgos para la Salud Pública.

Abstract

This study assessed microbiological contamination in the Manta and Muerto rivers of Ecuador, analyzing the presence of Escherichia coli, total coliforms, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Salmonella spp. Samples were collected from 10 strategic points during November 2024, including both rivers and the coastal area where they discharge. The analyses revealed high concentrations of total coliforms (mean 3,3 x 104 CFU/ml) and E. coli (mean 3,1 x 104 CFU/ml), with significantly higher levels in the rivers than in the coastal area. Vibrio parahaemolyticus (mean 3,7 x 102 CFU/ml) was detected at all points, and Salmonella spp. was found at two coastal locations. The results confirm dangerous levels of microbiological contamination, likely due to untreated wastewater discharge, posing a significant public health risk to nearby populations.