Influence of Rainfall on Concentrations in Clams: Results of Collaboration Between Competent Health Authority and Producers' Association in the Province of Fermo (Italy).

The (the competent health authority of the Marche Region), in collaboration with the local producers' Association conducted a series of studies on the presence of as an indicator of faecal contamination in the environment, in shellfish and in fishery waters, and on the factors that can affect their presence. These studies, carried out from 2008 to 2011, included an assessment of the currents along the coast, of the precipitations, and data from the monitoring of on shellfish harvested in the collection areas were examined. The results showed that in most cases, small concentrations of microorganisms in shellfish corresponded to little or no precipitations, while an increase in the levels of was preceded by more or less abundant rainfalls.