BACTERIAL QUALITY AND DEPURATION OF THE GREEN MUSSEL PERNA VIRIDIS FROM NATURAL BEDS
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Authors
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G. MALARVANNAN
Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology,
An.nmnalai University, Porto Novo - 608 502
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J. K. PATTERSON EDWARD
Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology,
An.nmnalai University, Porto Novo - 608 502
Abstract
Green mussel (Perna viridis) and sea water from their natural beds on
the coastal areas of Porto Novo were studied between April and August 1996
for their bacterial quality. Water samples from the beds were also analysed
for their physico-chemical parameters. The total bacterial count of nn.1ssels
from natural beds as well as bed waters ranged 103 organisms per gramme
of n1ussel meat suspension and per Inillilitre of sea water. The faecal coliforms
were found to be within the permissible limits. Pathogenic bacteria such as
Sabnonella spp., Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were absent.
The variations in pH, temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen of the
seawater samples were insignificant. The mussels were subjected to depuration
by different methods among which chlorination was found to be most
effective.
Keywords : Mussel, Perna viridis, bacterial quality, depuration
