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Bacterial contamination in drinking water: a case study in rural areas of northern Rajasthan, India

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment volume 159, Article number: 43 (2009) Cite this article

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the bacterial contaminations in drinking water samples collected form some rural habitations of northern Rajasthan, India. A total of ten bacterial species: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella sp, Proteus vulgaris, Alcaligenes faecalis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus lactis and Micrococcus luteum were identified form drinking water samples. The bacteria belonging to the family enterobacteriaceae (coliforms) showed the maximum occurrences in water samples. The total coliforms count, i.e. TTC\(^{\it m}\) (m = MPN index/ 100 ml) in drinking water samples was in the ranges of 25 TTCm (village Naiwala)–41 TTCm (village Meharwala). The data suggested that the drinking water quality deterioration in rural habitations of this region was due to poor sanitation and unawareness about personal hygienic practices. The occurrences some pathogenic bacteria in drinking water may increase the risks of water-related diseases and health problems in local residents.

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Affiliations

  1. Environmental Biology Laboratory, Post Graduate Department of Zoology, B.R.G. Govt Girls (PG) College, Sri Ganganagar, 335 001, India

    Surindra Suthar

  2. Department of Microbiology, M.D. (PG) College, Sri Ganganagar, 335 001, India

    Vikram Chhimpa

  3. Department of Chemistry, N.M. PG College, Hanumangarh, 335 513, India

    Sushma Singh

Authors
  1. Surindra Suthar
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  2. Vikram Chhimpa
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  3. Sushma Singh
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Correspondence to Surindra Suthar.

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Suthar, S., Chhimpa, V. & Singh, S. Bacterial contamination in drinking water: a case study in rural areas of northern Rajasthan, India. Environ Monit Assess 159, 43 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-008-0611-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-008-0611-0

Keywords

  • Drinking water
  • Bacterial contamination
  • Water-borne disease
  • E. coli
  • Coliform bacteria