*2.2. Sample Collection*

A total of 245 (178 marine water, 67 marine sand) samples were collected monthly from 10 selected beaches in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa between April 2015 and April 2016. Water samples were collected in 2 L sterile containers against an incoming wave. Beach sand was also collected in sterile 100 mL containers. Samples were transported at 4 ◦C and processed within 24 h.
