Abstract

Coastal ecosystems are frequently submitted to anthropogenic pressure but little is known about how the dynamics of aquatic communities can be altered. The impact of urban and industrial discharges on microbial plankton was studied in Hann Bay near Dakar (Senegal) on the Atlantic Ocean. Spatial patterns were studied using three transects, with a total of 20 stations, during two periods in May and November (before and after the seasonal upwelling), revealing a clear contrast between near shore stations and the intermediate and seaward stations. In November, phytoplankton were associated with dissolved nutrient availability (e.g. with nitrate, r = 0.76) whereas in May, phytoplankton were more correlated with microbial variables (e.g. with heterotrophic nanoflagellates, r = 0.63). Most samples (40) failed to meet the quality levels for the faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) defined by the European Union bathing water quality directive. The topography plays a major role in water circulation explaining the presence of FIB at the seaward stations. The high prevalence of FIB during the two periods suggests chronic pollution and a potential risk to recreational swimmers and fish consumers in Hann Bay. Thus, as demonstrated in various temperate systems, the decline of water quality constitutes a serious problem in many West African countries.