Study of Microbial Contamination of River Yamuna in District Baghpat and Auraiya (UP)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55544/jrasb.3.1.57Keywords:
Microbial Contamination, Water Quality, Fecal Pollution, E. coliAbstract
Microbial contamination of River Yamunain Baghpat and Auraiya district, Uttar Pradesh, India, presents a significant public health challenge due to fecal pollution from untreated sewage and agricultural runoff. This study evaluated water quality across five stations—Kurdi, KakorKalan, Katha, ShergarhGhat, and Veejalpur (Near Ayana)—using Colilert® technology and the Most Probable Number (MPN) method to detect and quantify coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli) as fecal contamination indicators. Sampling stations were selected to represent a gradient of anthropogenic impacts in these rural and peri-urban areas. Water samples (100 mL) were collected in sterile conditions, maintained at 4°C, and analyzed within 6 hours per standardized guidelines. Colilert® results confirmed coliform presence at all stations, with E. coli detected at Kurdi, KakorKalan, ShergarhGhat, and Veejalpur, but absent at Katha, indicating site-specific fecal inputs. MPN analysis revealed total coliforms ranging from 1200 (Katha) to 2000 (ShergarhGhat) MPN/100 mL, and E. coli from 0 (Katha) to 1100 (ShergarhGhat) MPN/100 mL.ShergarhGhat exceeded the severe risk threshold (>1000 MPN/100 mL E. coli), classifying it as very high risk, while Kurdi and KakorKalan were high risk (900–1000 MPN/100 mL E. coli), Veejalpur moderate-to-high, and Katha moderate. These findings align with prior observations linking elevated microbial loads to sewage and runoff, with Katha’s E. coli absence suggesting natural attenuation. Recommendations include routine Colilert® and MPN monitoring, pollution source control through engineered solutions, enhanced sanitation infrastructure with decentralized treatment systems, and investigation of Katha’s attenuation factors for potential replication. Immediate interventions targeting high-risk stations, alongside sustainable practices such as eco-friendly agriculture and proper waste disposal, and regulatory enforcement, are essential to mitigate health risks and improve water quality in these districts, safeguarding public health and aquatic ecosystems.
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