Microrganismos indicadores de qualidade higiênico-sanitária em ostras (Crassostrea gigas) e águas salinas de fazendas marinhas localizadas na Baía Sul da Ilha de Santa Catarina, Brasil

This investigation was conducted for one year in order to monitor the hygienic sanitary conditions of oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and saline waters from sea farms at the South Bay of Santa Catarina Island, by means of microorganism indicators. Oysters and saline waters samples were assayed by bacteria counting technique for coliforms at 35°C, coliforms at 45°C and Escherichia coli. Physical and chemical parameters were assessed in water samples (pH, salinity, turbidity and temperature) and oyster samples (pH). Positive correlations on coliform counts at 35°C and at 45°C, and E. coli were observed within saline waters and samples of oyster meat. Statistically significant differences on coliforms counting at 45oC were observed among saline water samples collected from the region E. Physical-chemical parameters showed somewhat no statistical correlation with microorganism counting. Nonetheless, the influence of rainfall indices in the Great Florianopolis region over the bacteriological counting in saline waters and oysters could be observed. The coliforms counting at 45°C in saline water samples complied with the parameters established by the Brazilian legislation, although the basic sanitation at bivalve shellfish growing sites and a regular bacteriological quality monitoring by using specific indicators are demanded for the culturing water and for growing oysters.