Bacterial quality evaluation on the shellfish-producing area along the south coast of Korea and suitability for the consumption of shellfish products therein

Abstract

Abstract Background To confirm whether shellfish are suitable for consumption, the quality of seawater and shellfish in shellfish-producing areas must be assessed regularly. This study was conducted to evaluate the bacterial quality on the Changseon area, containing a designated shellfish-producing area, in Korea during 2011–2013. Result Even though many inland pollutants near the area were identified, they showed no significant impact on the designated area and the shellfish therein. The concentrations of fecal bacteria in all the seawater and mussel samples from the designated area during the harvesting season were within the standards of various countries. Pathogenic bacteria were not detected in any of the mussel samples. In our previous study, the hazardous metal levels in all the mussels from the same area were also within the limits of different countries. Conclusion The mussel products in this area are suitable for consumption based on fecal pollution, pathogenic bacteria, and also heavy metals.

Keywords

• Fecal-indicator bacteria
• Mussel
• Pollutant
• Changseon area
• Shellfish-producing area