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Sea Water Analysis

As part of its duties, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other coastal public agencies analyzes sea water regularly. Sea water, especially coastal waters, may contain high levels of pollutants, bacteria, algae and litter, all of which are toxic to humans. Sea water analysis is an ongoing, dynamic process, since the general population visits beaches on a regular basis.

  1. Reasons for Testing

    • Sea water theoretically should not contain any substance that is toxic to humans, but unfortunately, it does. Storm run-off from cities drains into the ocean, and carries with it pollutants, various bacteria (such as e. coli), animal feces and litter. As an offshoot, raw sewage may accidentally run off, leading to abnormally high algae growth. Furthermore, illegal dumping in the ocean occurs, with over 200 syringes washing up on New Jersey shorelines in 2008. All this adds up to the need for sea water testing and analysis, to protect the public health from harmful disease and exposure to toxins.

    Significance

    • Public health and safety have always been a major concern of the EPA and coastal state public health agencies. Furthermore, all coastal states like Rhode Island have public health tourist concerns. Not doing regular testing and analysis could lead to an outbreak of infectious diseases that are water borne, like cholera. This is just one of many major illnesses, and if sea water quality isn't monitored regularly, thousands of people could become seriously ill.

    Types of Tests

    • There are various types of tests involved for sea water analysis. First, random samples are collected near coastlines. Then theses samples are tested for bacterias, excessive algae growth (an indicator of high levels of sewage), and various pollutants and metals (such as mercury). Furthermore waste that washes up on beaches (such as the syringes) are tested for pathogens, such as hepatitis, herpes, and the HIV aids virus. These tests are not quick and easy, nor are they inexpensive. There is considerable time and effort expended by public health agencies on sea water analysis.

    Findings

    • Unfortunately, many of the sea water analysis tests turn up positive. Even more significant is that a positive finding for toxins and bacteria is not a rare, but a common, occurrence. For example, red plankton blooms around coastlines (commonly called "Red Tide") are always under observation for excessive growth. These toxic algal blooms deplete oxygen, and then marine wildlife dies. Bacteria then grows on the decomposing fish, further adding to the problem. This is a common finding along many coastal areas, where runoff carries fertilizer and accidental raw sewage into the ocean (especially after New Orleans was hit with Hurricane Katrina), causing blooms to develop.

    Recommendations and Warnings

    • Every time a sea water analysis test turns up a positive reading, the EPA and local or state health agencies (such as the Rhode Island Department of Health ) issues warnings to beach goers about contamination hazards. You should not trivialize these warnings; doing so could be injurious to your health. If the level of sea water safety goes beyond a certain level, the local authorities close down the beaches and issue a public health warning. Before you go to the beach, inquire at the area's local health department about what the sea water analysis revealed and if the beach is safe for enjoyment.

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