Reports reveal sea water in Visakhapatnam to be polluted with larger amounts of bacteria

In what is coming as a disheartening news to all Vizagites, a recent research study has revealed that the sea water in Visakhapatnam is polluted with large amounts of bacteria. The research, which was conducted by the researchers of Andhra University Marine Living Resources, disclosed some alarming facts. The shoreline at Hindustan Shipyard and Fishing Harbour was found to be high on bacteria due to the release of industrial waste and high fishing activities.

A report in Deccan Chronicle stated that as a part of the research study, samples were taken from the stations Hindustan Shipyard, Fishing Harbour, Rama Krishna Beach, YMCA Beach, Tenneti Park. This study, which mainly focussed on the bacterial load and their cultural characteristics, found that the bacteria distribution was found to be the highest at the shoreline at Hindustan Shipyard and Fishing Harbour while the distribution was found to be least at the remaining three stations. As per the report, IMViC biochemical tests were used to find out bacterial characteristics up to genus level. Reflective microbial loads were identified as Escherichia Coli, Salmonella species, Pseudomonas species and Vibrio species.

This research study has thrown light upon the fact that there are no adequate sewage treatment plants in the Visakhapatnam. Owing to this, many industrial effluents are being discharged into the sea untreated. This has also put many marine species in danger as the harmful chemicals, apart from polluting the waters, disrupt the natural pH levels.