Seasonal Assessment of (Escherichia coli) Contamination Resulting from Untreated Wastewater in Marine Ecosystems of Al-Mukalla and Broom Mayfa, Hadhramout, Yemen

Abstract

Assessing fecal pollution and monitoring pathogenic microorganisms such as coliform 
bacteria in coastal environments influenced by discharged wastewater is a fundamental measure for 
determining the quality of aquatic ecosystems. This study aimed to assess pollution from (Escherichia 
coli) in the marine ecosystems along the coasts of Al-Mukalla and Broom Mayfa in Hadhramaut 
Governorate-Yemen. Marine sediment and seawater samples were subjected to bacteriological analysis 
using a number of tests sush as   (MPN), confirmatory test and Indole test. The work also included the 
measurement of some ecological parameters and compared them with standards recommended by  
(WHO) and approved Yemeni standards. The study results revealed varying levels of bacterial 
contamination in all samples, and pollution was observed to be most pronounced in raw wastewater 
samples from treatment plant 19 station- (Fsw), during both seasons, appeared in Fw; Sw during the first 
period and Mws; Hs during the second period. This contamination is characterized by the appearance of 
a metallic green sheen or a rose-colored ring, which are distinctive diagnostic signs in microbiological 
tests. The study also showed that seasonal fluctuations in the ecological parameters in studied samples
under influenced by discharge rates and population density-play a crucial role in bacterial survival and 
growth.  Therefore, these findings underscore the urgent need to improve the efficiency of treatment 
processes and strictly enforce both international and local to protection of marine ecosystems