Removal of faecal indicator bacteria and bacteriophages from the common mussel (Mytilus edulis) under artificial depuration conditions |
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| Authors: | Maria Margarida F de Mesquita Lilian M Evison PA West |
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| Institution: | Department of Civil Engineering, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne;Public Health Section, North West Water Ltd., Great Sankey, Warrington, UK |
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| Abstract: | Artificial self-purification (depuration) of mussels ( Mytilus edulis ) was undertaken at three temperatures, under conditions similar to those likely to be experienced in the commercial shellfish industry of the UK. During a 72 h depuration period, samples of mussel flesh were examined for three faecal indicator bacteria, Escherichia coli , Group D faecal streptococci and sulphite-reducing Clostridium spores, and two types of bacteriophage. There was a statistically significant difference in the elimination rate of faecal indicator bacteria compared with the slower rate for both bacteriophages. |
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