Konyaalti beach: quantitative microbial risk assessment of sea water and beach sand (QMRA)

Antalya stands out as one of the most valuable locations in the tourism sector, captivating tourists with its beaches and coves Our study focuses on determining the risks of gastrointestinal diseases associated with recreational points along Antalya's Konyaaltı Beach. The Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) model was employed in calculating disease risks. Four main stations representing the study area were identified and Exponential Dose-Response model calculations were conducted on samples collected from these points to assess the risk of diseases. Bacterial indicators of pollution, namely Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, were determined for disease risk assessment. The obtained results have been compared with reference disease risk threshold values. As a result of the assessments, there is no significant risk of disease. However, a low disease risk does not imply absence of pollution. Therefore, there is a need to develop a sustainable coastal management plan.