Microbiological condition of the catfish Sciades herzbergii from Bacanga lagoon, Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Fishing in Bacanga Lagoon supplements the income or even guarantees the survival of several families that live in this river basin on Maranhão Island (São Luí­­s), which is densely populated and shows signs of water pollution. The present study aimed to assess the quality of recently captured catfish Sciades herzbergii through microbiological analyses of muscles. In general, the fish of samples of Bacanga Lagoon showed higher coliform values than those observed in fish collected in the control area (Pau Deitado and Paço do Lumiar, state of Maranhão). Samples collected in January showed a high content of total coliforms and coliforms at 45°C, which suggests a relationship between microbial contamination and the rainy season. Escherichia coli was the most abundant bacteria species in the samples from Bacanga Lagoon. The results showed poor sanitary conditions of the Bacanga Lagoon and demonstrated fecal contamination of the fish captured, due to the high amount of untreated effluents discharged in the lagoon.