Abstract:
Trus study was carried out to study the levels of fecal contamination in Setiu
Lagoon and the monsoon effects as well as to determine whether the cultured oysters in the
lagoon are safe for human consumption. Three sampling trips were conducted which were
on g
th
September 2007 (Southwest Monsoon), 21
51
October 2007 (Inter-Monsoon) and 29
th
December 2007 (Northeast Monsoon). Six sampling stations were established around the
oyster cages in the lagoon. Total coliform, fecal coliform and Escherichia coli (E. coli)
counts in surrounding waters, sediments and cultured oysters (Crassostrea iredalei) were
estimated by using Multiple Test Tube Fermentation Method. The enumeration of positive
fecal coliform bacteria was made by referring to the Most Probable Number (MPN) chart.
Mean for the total coliform, fecal coliform and E. coli counts in the surrounding waters of
Setiu Lagoon were 30.667 MPN.lOOmL-
1
, 165.167 MPN.IOOmL-
1
and 90.167
1
MPN.lOOmL-
respectively. The mean of total coliform, fecal coliform and E. coli counts
in the sediments were 1.072 MPN.g-
1
, 9.472 MPN.t
1
and 5.044 MPN.g-
1
respectively.
Then, mean for the total coliform, fecal coliform and E. coli counts in the oysters were
1
, 14.572 MPN.g-
8.511 MPN.g-
1
and 7.317 MPN.g-
1
respectively.
