Effects of organic material and distribution of fecal coliforms in Chetumal Bay, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Most wastewater from the city of Chetumal is discharged into the adjoining bay without treatment through a pluvial sewer system. The bay also receives a high volume of vegetal organic material from the River Rio Hondo. The average of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) was 32.26 mg l(-1), it was low compared with other reports and should be indicative of self-depuration processes in Chetumal Bay. In the area most used by the public for recreational and fishing activities, concentrations of fecal coliforms above the limit established by Mexican Legislation were shown. The border between Mexico and Belize is Chetumal Bay, which recently was declared a protected area for manatees.