DUT Scientists Uncover Unsettling Levels of E.coli at 11 Durban Beaches

Photo courtesy: (Beach.durban) Students at DUT reveal that 11 beaches in Durban found to have high levels of E.coli while only three have acceptable basic levels of E.coli.

Natalie Semono

(The Post News)- Scientists from the Durban University of Technology have revealed unsettling sums at 11 Durban shorelines.

The Institute for Water and Wastewater Innovation (IWWT) at the Durban University of Technology conducted water quality testing on July 3, at a few of Durban’s swimming and non-swimming shorelines and discovered that three beaches were secure.

It was reported that the Ballito Tidal Pool, Westbrook Beach, Umdloti Beach, Glenashley Beach, Virginia Beach, Umgeni River, Umgeni River mouth, Laguna Beach, Country Club Beach, Bay of Plenty, and Addington Beach showed elevated levels of E. coli.

The Umgeni River mouth, in particular, has consistently exhibited high levels of E. coli contamination.

Based on the findings by Professor Faizal Bux, director of DUT’s Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, the assessment of 14 shorelines revealed concerning levels of E. coli contamination.

Only two shorelines, namely Bronze Beach and Umhlanga Beacon, were found to have satisfactory E. coli levels and were considered clean.

The Ushaka Beach showed lower levels of contamination compared to others.

The perfect E.coli levels for recreational purposes ought to extend from 0-130 (count/100 ml), at that point destitute and basic E.coli levels run from 200-400 (count/100 ml) and they ought to not be utilized for recreational purposes.

Professor Bux says that in comparison to the other Durban shorelines were ‘critical’ and the IWWT researchers exhort beachgoers that these shorelines ought to not be utilised for recreational purposes until the E.coli level drops to satisfactory guidelines.

He proceeds to say that the free water quality tests are conducted on a customary premise more often than not amid occasions by the Institute for Water and Wastewater Innovation at the DUT within the intrigued of open security.