Science Students Test Beaches for Bacteria : Environment: Though three sites exceeded acceptable state contamination levels, they pose little or no danger to swimmers. Newport Beach waters were deemed cleanest.

They waded in cold, knee-deep water every day before and after school, collecting ocean samples off Orange County beaches.

In a project organized by the Newport Surfrider Foundation, 90 science students from Newport Harbor and Corona del Mar high schools performed tests for eight weeks on the bacteria content of beaches from Reef Point to the Santa Ana River jetty.

On Saturday morning, they announced their results: 15 sites passed and three failed.

At China Cove, Big Corona and Coves Beach, traces of human or animal bacteria and waste exceeded state levels of acceptability. But it posed little to no danger to swimmers, organizers said.

Beaches near 51st Street in Newport Beach received the best marks in the study, showing only scant traces of bacteria.

Students were given test tubes to collect water from designated beaches and later study in the classroom for levels of coliform and E. coli bacteria. Because a limited number of tests were done, the results were not scientific.

“We’re hoping that students will gain a level of understanding about the environmental issues facing them and will pass on that information to their parents and friends,” said Ryan Kelly, organizer of the first annual Quiksilver Teach and Test.

The project was sponsored by Quiksilver, a national sportswear and beach equipment manufacturer based in Costa Mesa. The Surfrider Foundation is a 17-chapter national beach conservation group. Kelly and about 250 students, parents, teachers and sponsors turned out for brunch at the Newport Beach Hard Rock Cafe Saturday to recognize the efforts of students and sponsors.

“This project really brought out the best in the students,” said Corona del Mar marine science teacher Mike Starkweather, who organized the joint experiment. “I’ve been teaching for over 20 years, and this is the greatest participation for a volunteer program that I have witnessed.”

Catherine Ganiere, a senior at Corona del Mar, said, “I really didn’t know about the bacteria in the water. When I found out what is going on with some of the drainage in the area, I was totally shocked.”

Corona del Mar sophomore Kevin Cogbill said it was “difficult getting up at 7 in the morning to go out to the beach, but it was for a worthwhile cause.”