Beach sand bacteria a focus for CMU student research

Summer is here and many are heading to the water for some fun in the sun. While it seems heading to the beach is a popular recreational choice, recent studies by the Environmental Protection Agency suggest some beachgoers are coming home sick because of the beach sand.

 

The study confirms the research done by Central Michigan University faculty member Elizabeth Alm and her group of student researchers. Their research focuses on the investigation of microorganisms living at the beach. Since the research began 12 years ago, Alm says she and her student researchers began finding high concentrations of bacteria, like E. coli, in beach sand during the summer months.

 

“We’re trying to understand where the bacteria come from, how they survive, how they interact with other organisms at the beach and what that means for public health,” Alm said.

 

Though E. coli is often perceived to cause illness, Alm says through the research she has realized E. coli found in beach sand serves as more of a marker for other bacteria that may cause illness.

 

“I believe most of the E. coli at the beach are not harmful at all,” Alm said. “They are often the indication that other microorganisms are sometimes present.”

 

Alm believes the other microorganisms they are finding are the cause of illnesses beachgoers may experience from playing around in the sand. Activities like digging or being buried in the sand increase the risk of rashes, earaches and gastrointestinal illnesses like diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Alm says many of the illnesses won’t show up for 10 to 14 days after contact.

 

“Often when people have these symptoms they assume it’s something they ate recently,” Alm said. “They don’t think it may be what they were doing two weeks before.”

 

To avoid getting ill after a stay at the beach, Alm recommends practicing strong personal hygiene.

 

“These illnesses come from ingesting small amounts of sand,” Alm said. “Try and keep sand out of your mouth. Be sure to wash your hands carefully after digging and avoid putting your hands in your mouth.”