Archives

Page No. : 135-138

ABSTRACT

The present study was conducted to assess the microbial quality of the drinking water of the rural areas. Analysis of 110 samples of drinking water for standard plate count, yeast and mold count, presumptive coliform count, confirmed E. coli count revealed the count in a range of 2-8000/ml, 0-36/ml, 0-> 1800/ml and 0-60/ml, respectively. Sixty two per cent samples were found unsatisfactory for drinking purpose. Gastro-intestinal parasites such as Entamoeba hystolytica was found in 18 samples followed by Entamoeba coli, Giardia lamblia and Balantidium coli in 12, 5 and 4 samples, respectively. E. coli isolates showed 100% sensitivity against amikacin, ciprofloxacin, cotrimoxazole and ofloxacin followed by 96%, 80%, 80%, 72% and 68% against norfloxacin, ceftizoxime, chloramphenicol, gentamicin and tetracycline, respectively. The present study showed that the overall microbial counts of the well water were higher as compared to the hand pump water.

Keywords: Coliforms, E. coli, microbiological analysis, water.