More evidence that beach sand harbors E. coli

Better call your wife and cancel that summer trip to the seaside. Researchers at the University of Minnesota have found new evidence that beach sand acts as a sink and reservoir for E. coli — although at least in North America most of the found strains are not deadly. The two-year study — published 15 April by the American Chemical Society — tracked seasonal variations of the bacteria in water, sand, and sediment at a boat club on Lake Superior. The season issue is key, as the amount of fecal material in the water largely depends on what fowl are in the area, not to mention infant children. (Readers will recall the relationship between swimming pools, dirty diapers, and polio.) “These results indicate that E. coli originating from several sources may survive and potentially replicate in sand and sediment, possibly increasing fecal counts found on beaches,” the researchers explained.