Various bathing waters around the Northern Ireland coast

Bacteria environmental parameters; Bacteria taxonomic abundance in water bodies; Ocean colour and earth-leaving visible waveband spectral radiation; Secchi disk depth; Alkalinity, acidity and pH of the water column; Transmittance and attenuance of the water column

Discrete water samplers; ocean colour radiometers; pH sensors; acoustic backscatter sensors; transmissometers

Early in 1987 the Department of the Environment (NI) identified 16 Northern Ireland marine bathing waters to be monitored in respect of the EC Directive (76/160/EEC). In 1991 the monitoring was extended to include an additional 9 non-identified bathing waters. A key station at each of these bathing waters is sampled on at least 20 occasions from May to September. In addition multi-point sampling of each bathing water is undertaken on two occasions during the season to assess the overall bacteriological quality of the bathing water. The microbiological parameters measured are as follows: 1. total and faecal coliforms are determined for all samples 2. faecal streptococci are determined for all samples 3. salmonella spp are measured twice for the key stations Values of pH are determined using a Cornig-Eel model 109 pH meter. Transparency measurements are performed using a 200mm diameter Secchi disc. Visual notes of colour, the presence of mineral oils, surface-active substances and phenolic odour are also recorded.

Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Water Management Unit
17 Antrim Road
Lisburn
County Antrim
BT28 3AL
United Kingdom