HUMAN DISEASES
Many studies have identified pathogenic microorganisms from seawater contaminated with sewage. Below is a list of some of these pathogens and the infections they cause:
Bacterial pathogens
- Campylobacter infections
- E. coli infections (including diarrhoeagenic E. coli, enteropathic E. coli, enterotoxigenic E. coli)
- Community-acquired urinary tract infections caused by ESBL-producing E. coli or Klebsiella
- Pneumoniae
- E. coli O157 infections
- Mycobacterium avium complex infection
- Staphylococcal skin infections
Protozoan pathogens
- Cryptosporidium infections
- Giardia infections
Viral pathogens
- Echovirus infection
- Hepatitis A
While the volume of sewage pollution from recreational boats may be relatively small compared to land-based sources, the concentration of faecal bacteria in shallow anchorages or semi-enclosed bays can become very high. According to the “Sailors for the Sea - Boating Guide”, a single pleasure boat over one weekend can contribute the same amount of bacterial pollution as the treated sewage from 10,000 people.
References
Landrigan PJ, Stegeman JJ, Fleming LE, Allemand D, Anderson DM, Backer LC, Brucker-Davis F, Chevalier N, Corra L, Czerucka D, Bottein M-YD, Demeneix B, Depledge M, Deheyn DD, Dorman CJ, Fénichel P, Fisher S, Gaill F, Galgani F, Gaze WH, Giuliano L, Grandjean P, Hahn ME, Hamdoun A, Hess P, Judson B, Laborde A, McGlade J, Mu J, Mustapha A, Neira M, Noble RT, Pedrotti ML, Reddy C, Rocklöv J, Scharler UM, Shanmugam H, Taghian G, van de Water JAJM, Vezzulli L, Weihe P, Zeka A, Raps H, Rampal P. Human Health and Ocean Pollution. Annals of Global Health. 2020; 86(1): 151, 1–64. DOI: https://doi. org/10.5334/aogh.2831
Anne FC Leonard, Andrew Singer,Obioha C Ukoumunne, William H Gaze1 and Ruth Garside. 2018. Is it safe to go back into the water? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the risk of acquiring infections from recreational exposure to seawater. International Journal of Epidemiology, 2018, 572–586. doi: 10.1093/ije/dyx281
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5913622/pdf/dyx281.pdf
Water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management for the COVID-19 virus Interim guidance. 19 March 2020 World Health Organisation and UNICEF.
“Sailors for the Sea Boating Guide”, 2017 https://www.sailorsforthesea.org/programs/green-boating-guide
Mallin, M.A.; Haltom, M.I.; Song, B.; Tavares, M.E.; Dellies,S.P. Bacterial source tracking guides management of boat head waste in a coastal resort area. J. Environ. Manag. 2010, 91, 2748–2753.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479710002471?via%3Dihub
The Necessity of Adoption of New National Regulations to Prevent the Pollution of Croatian Coastal Sea by Sewage from Various Vessels . Žarko Koboević, Branka Milošević-Pujo. 2018, TRANSACTIONS ON MARITIME SCIENCE
Marine Pollution from Vessel Sewage in Queensland Anna West.
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/ANZMarLawJl/2004/9.pdf
