Impact of the Eastern Seaboard development Programme on the water quality of marine recreation areas

Waewta Thongra-ar; Sumaitt Putchakarn; Chaluay Musika; Pattana Poonpium; Wanchai Wongsudawan . Institute of Marine Science

Impact of the Eastern Seaboard development Programme on the water quality of marine recreation areas

1995

Waewta Thongra-ar | Sumaitt Putchakarn | Chaluay Musika | Pattana Poonpium | Wanchai Wongsudawan (Burapha Univ., Chon Buri (Thailand). Institute of Marine Science)

Water quality of the important marine recreation areas along the Eastern Seaboard was investigated in 1994. The investigated areas were as follows: Bangsaen, Pattaya, Jomtien, Laem Ya-Samet National Parks and Suan Ruka Chat Phe-Laem Mae Phim. Based on the coastal water quality standard for swimming which specified that total coliform bacteria should not be more than 1,000 MPN/100 mL, it was found that the water quality of most beaches is still in good condition except at Pattaya, particularly South Pattaya. Pattaya is an important beach resort in the Eastern Seaboard and is Thailand's principal international beach resort, resulting in the rapid growth of tourism in Pattaya City and creating environmental problems. Comparing the water quality of the marine recreation areas in 1994 with the previous investigations we found that the water quality in these recreation areas tends to be better than the previous investigations (2-3 years ago), except Jomtien Beach where we detect more total coliform bacteria than the previous years, but the numbers are still within the standard. There is the potential threat of increased pollution of coastal waters from rapid growth of the tourism industry of the Eastern Seaboard. Therefore, the beach areas shoud be controlled and protected from discharged wastewater. In addition, a programme of continuous water quality monitoring of recreation areas must be carried out to ensure that the water quality complies with the standard and suits the beneficial use for swimming.

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