Recreational Water Quality Status of Charty Beach, Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Recreational water quality assessment is an important step to overcoming safety issues for the users and the conservation of the habitat. The present study was conducted for five months from December 2020 to April 2021 to identify the ongoing issues related to the recreational water quality in Charty Beach, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. The water temperature (29.24 ℃), pH (8.18), turbidity (8 NTU), and DO (6.71 mg L-1) were all under the marine recreational standards' threshold limits. The total coliform (4.85 MPN 100 mL-1) and E. coli count (2.64 MPN 100 mL-1) were both confirmed to be within the international recreational water quality standards. However, measured nitrate (2.66 mg L-1) and phosphate (0.15 mg L-1) levels in the water were found to exceed the threshold limits for marine recreational waters, indicating that the beach has been contaminated with nitrate and phosphate-containing sewage overflow. The higher microbiological indicator values and nitrate content were obtained during the study period in December, which is the year’s rainy season. Surface runoff containing feces, and agricultural waste due to rain may be the cause of the highest values. Based on the overall results of the beach water, it can be deemed that Charty Beach is suitable for bathing and recreational activities.