Bacteria are the oldest type of living organism on earth. Evidence of bacteria extends back at least 3.5 billion years.

Faecal bacteria

I am Enterococcus faecalis, belong to faecal enterococci, lancefield D groups. I am oval-shaped bacteria, facultative anaerobic, gram-positive, non-motile, appeared in pairs or short chains. I inhabit the intestine of humans. Unlike Escherichia coli I survive longer in seawater.

I am Escherichia coli. I belong to faecal coliform bacteria, I am rod-shaped, gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacteria commonly found in the intestines of people and animals. I am mobile because I have flagels. Unlike enterococci I am less resistant to external unfavorable conditions.

We belong to microscopic, small allochthonous microorganisms. The sea is not our natural habitat. We get there through untreated wastewater and represent indicators of faecal pollution.

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