INTRODUCTION

Water is essential for life for various daily necessities. The quality of water
below the standard prescribed, the main factor responsible for deterioration
in water quality are excess of soluble salts, disorption of dissolved ions,
industrial effluents and Micro organism. (Paliwal 1971).
The Consequence of Urbanization and industrialization leads to spoil
the water for agricultural purposes ground water is explored in rural areas
especially in those areas where other sources of water like dam and river or a
canal is not available and drastically being polluted. (Mishra et al, 2008).
Water Pollution is a major Problem in the global context it has been
suggested that it is the leading world wide course of deaths and diseases and
accounts for the death of more than 14,000 people daily in the most recent
national report on water quality in the united states, 45% of assessed streams
miles, 47% of assessed lake acres and 32% of assessed bay and estuarine
square miles were classified as polluted. (Daniel, 2006).
Microbial contamination is another factor which determines the
quality of water used for human consumption. Improper disposal of sewage
water is responsible for breeding in various disease in India, large number of
deaths occur every year due to water borne diseases as cholera, typhoid,
infectious hepatitis and Polio etc.
The holy Ganges flowing declared unfit as huge amounts of industrial
and domestic discharge are being flown into the rivers with relation to
occurrence of enteric diseases in Varanasi city eg, Diarrhoea, Dysentery,
Viral hepatitis, Typhoid and Gastro- enteritis.
 The river Yamuna, a major tributary of river Ganges originates from
the Yamunotri glacier near Bander Poonch Peaks (38o59N, 78o27E) in the
Mussourie range of the Himalayas at an elevation of about 6387m above
mean sea level in district UttarKashi the catchment of Yamuna river system
covers Parts of Uttar Pradesh, Uttranchal, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana,
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi.
River Yamuna which is the main source of water supply to Delhi the
water is used as raw water source for drinking water supply, irrigation
purposes cloth washing, irrigation in cultivation of all types of fruits,
vegetables and various crops.
The microbial Pollution of river yamuna may lead to various human
water borne diseases organism such as Virus, Bacteria, Protozoa and
Helminths.
The total length of Yamuna is 1230 kms. it starts from the foothills of
Himalayas, (Yamunotri) and ends by mixing with Ganga and Saraswati at
Prayag (Allahabad). Yamuna enters Delhi at Palla village 15 kms. upstream
of Wazirabad barrage which act as a reservoir for Delhi the population of
Agra and Nizamuddin is 1089 people per sq. km. and 889 people per sq.
respectively. These two Placer also produce 1100 tons of chemical per
annum from its 549 numbers of industries and from the agricultural fields.
(Sharma).
The Present study is based on the evaluation of microbial and
chemical pollutants of rivers yamuna in Agra regions.
 REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Water Pollution is the contamination of water bodies such as lakes, rivers,
oceans and ground water caused by human activities, which can be harmful
to organism and Plants that live in these water bodies it occurs when
Pollutants are discharged directly into water bodies without treating it first.
Water Pollution is a major problem in the global content it has been
suggested that it is the heading worldwide cause of deaths and diseases and
that it accounts for the death of more than 14,000 people daily the acute
problems of water pollution in developing countries, industrialized countries
continue to struggle with pollution problems the most recent national report
on water quality in the united states, 45% of assessed lake acres and 32% of
assessed bay and estaurine square miles were classified as polluted. (Daniel,
2006).
Water is typically referred to as polluted when it is impaired by
anthropogenic contaminants and either does not support a human use like
serving as drinking water and undergoes a marked shift in its ability to
support its constituents biotic communities, such as fish. Natural Phenomena
such as volcanoes, algae blooms, storms and earthquakes also cause major
changes in water quality and the ecological status of water.
Surface water and groundwater have often been studies and managed
as separate resources, although they are interrelated sources of surface water
pollution are generally grouped into two categories based on their origin.
(Denver et al, 1998).
Point source pollution refers to contaminants that enter a waterway
through a discrete conveyance, such as a pipe or ditch example of sources in
this category include from a sewage treatment plants a factory or a city
storm drain. The U.S. Clean Water Act (CWA).
 Non-point source (NPS) Pollution refers to diffuse contamination that
does not originate from a single discrete source. NPS Pollution is often
cumulative effect from a large area. Nutrients runoff in storm water from
Sheet flow over an agricultural fields or a forest are sometimes cited as
examples of NPS Pollution.
Contaminated storm water washed off of Parking lots, road and
highways, called urban runoff, is sometimes included under the category of
NPS Pollution. However, this runoff is typically channeled into storm drain
system and discharged through pipes to load surface waters and is a point
source.
Interaction between ground water and surface water are complex.
Consequently, ground water pollution, sometimes referred to as groundwater
contamination is not as easily classified as surface water pollution. By its
very nature, groundwater aquifers are susceptible to contamination from
sources that may not directly affect surface water bodies, and the distinction
of Point vs. non-point source may be irrelevant. A spill of a chemical
contaminants on soil located away from a surface water body, may not
necessarily create point source or non-point source pollution, but
nonetheless may contaminated the aquifer below. (Denver et al, 1998).
The specific contaminants leading to pollution in water include a wide
spectrum of chemicals, Pathogens and physical or sensory changes such as
elevated temperature and discoloration while many of the chemical and
substances that are regulated may be naturally occurring (Calcium, Sodium,
Iron, Mangnese etc.).
Oxygen- deplecting substances may be natural material such as Plant
matter. (eg. Leaves and grass) as well as man made chemicals other natural
and anthropogenic substances may cause turbidity (cloudiness) which blocks
lights and disrupts plant growth and cloys the gills of some fish species.
Many of the chemical substances are toxic Pathogen can produce
water borne diseases in either human or animal hosts. Alteration of waters
Physical chemistry include acidity (change in pH), electrical conductivity,
temperature and fertilization of surface water by nutrients.
Coliform bacteria are commonly used bacterial indicator of which
pollution although not an actual cause of disease other microorganism
sometimes found is surface waters which have caused human health
Problems include :
Cryptosporidium Parvum
Giardia Lamblia
Salmonella
Novovirus and other virus.
Parasitic worms (helminthes) (Schueler et al, 2000).
High levels of Pathogens may result from inadequately treated sewage
discharges. This can be caused by a sewage Plant designed with than
secondary treatment. In developed countries, older cities with aging
infrastructure may have leaky sewage collection system (Pipes, pumps,
valves), which can cause sanitary sewer overflows. Some cities also have
combines sewers, which may discharge untreated sewage during rain storms.

Pathogen discharges may also be caused by Poorly- managed livestock

operations.
Contaminants may include organic and inorganic substances.
Organic water Pollutants:
 Detergents
Disinfection
Disinfection by Products found in chemically disinfected drinking
water such as chloroform.
Food processing waste, which can include oxygen demanding
substances fats and grease.
Insecticides and herbicides.
Petroleum hydrocarbons, including Fuels (gasolines, diesel fuel, Jet
fuel and Fuel oil) and lubricants (motor oil). (Allen Burton et al,
2001).
Tree and brush debris from logging operations.

Inorganic water Pollutants:

Acidity caused by industrial discharges
Ammonia from food processing waste
Chemical waste as industrial by Products
Fertilizers containing nutrients- nitrates and Phosphates. (Allen et al,
2001)
Heavy metals from motor vehicles and acid mine drainage. (Thomas
et al, 2000)
Slit (sediment) is runoff from construction sites, logging, slash and
burn Practices.
Macroscopic Pollution Large visible items polluting the water may be
termed Floatables in an urban storm water context or marine debris when
found on the open seas :
Trash (eg. Paper, Plastic or food waste) discarded by people on the
ground and that are washed by rainfall into storms drains and
eventually discharged into surface waters.
Nurdles, small ubiquitous waterborne Plastic Pellets.
Shipwrecks, large derelict ships.

Thermal Pollution is the rise of fall in the temperature of a natural

body of water caused by human influence a common cause of thermal
pollution is the use of water as a coolant by power plants and industrial
manufacturer. Elevated water temperatures decrease oxygen levels (which
can Kill fish) and affects ecosystem composition, such as invasion by new
thermophilic species.
Thermal Pollution can also be caused by the released of very cold
water from the base of reservoirs into warmer rivers.
Most water pollutants are eventually carried by rivers into the oceans.
In some areas of the world the influence can be traced hundred miles from
the mouth by studies using hydrology transport models. Advanced computer
models such as SWMM or the DSSAM Model have been used in many
locations worldwide to examine the fate of pollutants in aquatic systems.
Indicator filter feeding species such as copepods have also been used to
study pollutant fates in the New York Bight, for example. The highest toxin
loads are not directly at the mouth of the Hudson River, but 100 kilometers
south, since several days are required for incorporation into planktonic
tissue. The Hudson discharge flows south along the coast due to coriolis
force. Further south then are areas of oxygen depletion, caused by chemicals
using up oxygen and by algae blooms, caused by excess nutrients from algal
cell death and decomposition. Fish and shellfish kills have been reported,
because toxins climb the food chain after small fish consume copepods, then
large fish eat smaller fish, etc. Each successive step up the food chain causes
a stepwise concentration of pollutants such as heavy metals (e.g. mercury)
and persistent organic pollutants such as DDT. This is known as
biomagnification, which is occasionally used interchangeably with
bioaccumulation.
Large gyres (vortexes) in the oceans trap floating plastic debris. The
North Pacific Gyre for example has collected the so-called "Great Pacific
Garbage Patch" that is now estimated at 100 times the size of Texas. Many
of these long-lasting pieces wind up in the stomachs of marine birds and
animals. This results in obstruction of digestive pathways which leads to
reduced appetite or even starvation.
Many chemicals undergo reactive decay or chemically change
especially over long periods of time in groundwater reservoirs. A noteworthy
class of such chemicals is the chlorinated hydrocarbons such as
trichloroethylene (used in industrial metal degreasing and electronics
manufacturing) and tetrachloroethylene used in the dry cleaning industry
(note latest advances in liquid carbon dioxide in dry cleaning that avoids all
use of chemicals). Both of these chemicals, which are carcinogens
themselves, undergo partial decomposition reactions, leading to new
hazardous chemicals (including dichloroethylene and vinyl chloride).
Groundwater pollution is much more difficult to abate than surface
pollution because groundwater can move great distances through unseen
aquifers. Non-porous aquifers such as clays partially purify water of bacteria
by simple filtration (adsorption and absorption), dilution, and, in some cases,
chemical reactions and biological activity: however, in some cases, the
pollutants merely transform to soil contaminants. Groundwater that moves
through cracks and caverns is not filtered and can be transported as easily as
surface water. In fact, this can be aggravated by the human tendency to use
natural sinkholes as dumps in areas of Karst topography.
There are a variety of secondary effects stemming not from the
original pollutant, but a derivative condition. An example is silt-bearing
surface runoff, which can inhibit the penetration of sunlight through the
water column, hampering photosynthesis in aquatic plants.
Water pollution may be analyzed through several broad categories of
methods: physical, chemical and biological. Most methods involve
collection of samples, followed by specialized analytical tests. Some
methods may be conducted in situ, without sampling, such as temperature.
Government agencies and research organizations have published
standardized, validated analytical test methods to facilitate the comparability
of results from disparate testing events.
Sampling of water for physical or chemical testing can be done by
several methods, depending on the accuracy needed and the characteristics
of the contaminant. Many contamination events are sharply restricted in
time, most commonly in association with rain events. For this reason "grab"
samples are often inadequate for fully quantifying contaminant levels.
Scientists gathering this type of data often employ auto-sampler devices that
pump increments of water at either time or discharge intervals.
Sampling for biological testing involves collection of plants and/or
animals from the surface water body. Depending on the type of assessment,
the organisms may be identified for biosurveys (population counts) and
returned to the water body, or they may be dissected for bioassays to
determine toxicity.
Common physical tests of water include temperature, solids
concentration and turbidity.
Water samples may be examined using the principles of analytical
chemistry. Many published test methods are available for both organic and
inorganic compounds. Frequently-used methods include pH, biochemical
oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), nutrients (nitrate
and phosphorus compounds), metals (including copper, zinc, cadmium, lead
and mercury), oil and grease, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), and
pesticides.
Biological testing involves the use of plant, animal, and/or microbial
indicators to monitor the health of an aquatic ecosystem.
In urban areas, domestic sewage is typically treated by centralized
sewage treatment plants. In the U.S., most of these plants are operated by
local government agencies. Municipal treatment plants are designed to
control conventional pollutants: BOD and suspended solids. Well-designed
and operated systems (i.e., secondary treatment or better) can remove 90
percent or more of these pollutants. Some plants have additional sub-
systems to treat nutrients and pathogens. Most municipal plants are not
designed to treat toxic pollutants found in industrial wastewater.
Cities with sanitary sewer overflows or combined sewer overflows
employ one or more engineering approaches to reduce discharges of
untreated sewage, including:
utilizing a green infrastructure approach to improve stormwater
management capacity throughout the system.
repair and replacement of leaking and malfunctioning equipment
 increasing overall hydraulic capacity of the sewage collection system
(often a very expensive option).
A household or business not served by a municipal treatment plant
may have an individual septic tank, which treats the wastewater on site and
discharges into the soil. Alternatively, domestic wastewater may be sent to a
nearby privately-owned treatment system (e.g. in a rural community).
Some industrial facilities generate ordinary domestic sewage that can
be treated by municipal facilities. Industries that generate wastewater with
high concentrations of conventional pollutants (e.g. oil and grease), toxic
pollutants (e.g. heavy metals, volatile organic compounds) or other
nonconventional pollutants such as ammonia, need specialized treatment
systems. Some of these facilities can install a pre-treatment system to
remove the toxic components, and then send the partially-treated wastewater
to the municipal system. Industries generating large volumes of wastewater
typically operate their own complete on-site treatment systems.
Some industries have been successful at redesigning their
manufacturing processes to reduce or eliminate pollutants, through a process
called pollution prevention.
Heated water generated by power plants or manufacturing plants may be
controlled with:
cooling ponds, man-made bodies of water designed for cooling by
evaporation, convection, and radiation.
cooling towers, which transfer waste heat to the atmosphere through
evaporation and/or heat transfer.
cogeneration, a process where waste heat is recycled for domestic
and/or industrial heating purposes.
 Sediment (loose soil) washed off fields is the largest source of
agricultural pollution in the United States. Farmers may utilize erosion
controls to reduce runoff flows and retain soil on their fields. Common
techniques include contour plowing, crop mulching, crop rotation, planting
perennial crops and installing riparian buffers.
Nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) are typically applied to farmland
as commercial fertilizer; animal manure; or spraying of municipal or
industrial wastewater (effluent) or sludge. Nutrients may also enter runoff
from crop residues, irrigation water, wildlife, and atmospheric deposition.
Farmers can develop and implement nutrient management plans to reduce
excess application of nutrients.
To minimize pesticide impacts, farmers may use Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) techniques (which can include biological pest control) to
maintain control over pests, reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, and
protect water quality.
Farms with large livestock and poultry operations, such as factory
farms, are called concentrated animal feeding operations or confined animal
feeding operations in the U.S. and are being subject to increasing
government regulation. Animal slurries are usually treated by containment in
lagoons before disposal by spray or trickle application to grassland.
Constructed wetlands are sometimes used to facilitate treatment of animal
wastes, as are anaerobic lagoons. Some animal slurries are treated by mixing
with straw and composted at high temperature to produce a bacteriologically
sterile and friable manure for soil improvement.
Sediment from construction sites is managed by installation of:
erosion controls, such as mulching and hydroseeding, and
sediment controls, such as sediment basins and silt fences.
Discharge of toxic chemicals such as motor fuels and concrete washout is
prevented by use of:
spill prevention and control plans, and
specially-designed containers (e.g. for concrete washout) and
structures such as overflow controls and diversion berms
Effective control of urban runoff involves reducing the velocity and
flow of stormwater, as well as reducing pollutant discharges. Local
governments use a variety of stormwater management techniques to reduce
the effects of urban runoff. These techniques, called best management
practices (BMPs) in the U.S., may focus on water quantity control, while
others focus on improving water quality, and some perform both functions.
Pollution prevention practices include low impact development
techniques, installation of green roofs and improved chemical handling (e.g.
management of motor fuels & oil, fertilizers and pesticides). Runoff
mitigation systems include infiltration basins, bioretention systems,
constructed wetlands, retention basins and similar devices.
Thermal pollution from runoff can be controlled by stormwater management
facilities that absorb the runoff or direct it into groundwater, such as
bioretention systems and infiltration basins. Retention basins tend to be less
effective at reducing temperature, as the water may be heated by the sun
before being discharged to a receiving stream
Water quality index was calculated from the measured parameters, based on
which the study area was classified into five groups with respect to
suitability of water for drinking purpose. Attribute database was integrated
with spatial sampling locations map in Arc/Info and maps showing spatial
distribution of water quality parameters were prepared in Arc View. Results
indicated that high concentrations of total dissolved solids, nitrates, fluorides
and total hardness were observed in few industrial and densely populated
areas indicating deteriorated water quality while the other areas exhibited
moderate to good water quality. (Asadi et al, 2005).
The use of leucocrystal violet to determine carbon disulphide in
various environmental and biological samples is discussed. Current
methodology involves the formation of yellow coloured xanthate on treating
carbondisulphide with sodium hydroxide. The xanthate formed is
subsequently treated with potassium iodate and the iodine liberated is
reacted with leucocrystal violet. The crystal violet dye formed shows
maximum absorbance at 592 nm. The method is free from the interference of
other major toxicants and the other reaction conditions have been optimized.
(Asthana et al, 2003).
Some physio-chemical parameters of Kaljani River were studied in
and around Alipurduar municipality. Comparison of water quality
parameters of the two rivers demonstrated higher range of alkalinity,
ammonia content and chloride content in Torsa than Kaljani. River Kaljani
showed higher COD range than Torsa. Mean BOD value of both these rivers
ranged between 0.93-1.65 mg/l. Overall TDS content of Kaljani was found
to be lower than Torsa. Maximum phosphate content was observed at the
downstream of both the rivers. (Bhaskar et al, 2005).
Sorption experiments using the dead biomass of Spirogyra species, for
copper removal were carried out to study the influence and optimization of
the biosorption of Cu (II). The effect of pH, initial metal ion concentration,
different contact periods, varying temperature and varying biomass
quantities were also examined. It was observed that Spirogyra species
possessed better specific uptake capacities for Cu (II), showing approximate
uptake of 34.94 mg/g of biomass. Spirogyra species has shown much better
sorption in the pH between 6.0-7.0 and at contact time of 30 min.(Bishnoi et
al, 2004).
The review aims at providing an overview of electrochemical
processes used for accomplishing the remediation of industrial wastewater,
particularly electrooxidation process and electrocoagulation. The
applicability of these technologies for the remediation of contaminated soil
is also discussed. The enhanced degradation of wastewater may be attributed
to the electrochemical oxidation of the organic compounds present in the
aqueous phase to simple molecules, which may be easily biodegraded. The
principle of electrooxidation process, involved in the remediation process
was described along with specific applications. (Chandra et al, 2004).
The effect on chlorophyll, protein and biomass content of Nostoc
muscorum was studied with the luminescent property inhibition of
Photobacterium phosphorium and compared with algal bioassay. It was
observed that the luminescent property of Photobacterium phosphorium in
microtox assay as well as the chlorophyll content of Nostoc muscorum in
algal assay were the most sensitive parameters in toxicity evaluation of
tannery effluent. The microtox assay of toxicity showed that EC 50 (%) in 30

min was 3.19 and 63.49 for untreated and treated tannery effluent,
respectively while in algal bioassay the EC 50 for chlorophyll was in

between 0-2.5% and 100%, respectively, in untreated and treated effluent.

(Srivastava et al, 2004).
Study is related to the deterioration in water quality of Surya Kund,
Lohargal (Rajasthan) during the mass bathing of religious importance.
Various water quality parameters have been studied. It is necessary to take
adequate precautionary measures to prevent outbreak of any epidemics.
(Chandra Ram et al, 2005).
River Krishna in the Southern Peninsula of India is a typical receiving
water body of both point and non-point discharges. Comparisons between
upstream and downstream monitoring sites reveal changes in the
concentrations and load to the river. This information is used to discriminate
between point and non-point source contribution to pollution. The results of
the mass balances indicate that non-point sources to be major contributors to
the pollutant loads. The non-point sources in the study area predominantly
include pollution due to agricultural practices and activities, soil erosion,
dissolution of soil minerals or combination of these sources. (Sekhar et al,
2004).
Leucocrystal violet (LCV) has been proposed as simple and sensitive
chromogenic reagent for the determination of nitrate in various
environmental and commercial samples. Nitrate is first reduced to nitrite
with zinc in alkaline medium. The reduced nitrate reacts with acidified
potassium iodide to liberate iodine. The liberated iodine reacts with
leucocrystal violet to form crystal violet, whose colour is measured at 592
nm. (Chatterjee et al, 2004).
Water quality of adjoining wetland ecosystem of Bidyadhari river
basin has been gradually worsened due to admixture of industrial effluents
with domestic sewage released from the Kolkata metropolis as well as from
the different industries of Kolkata east through different canals. Pollutants
from industrial sewage may cause biological magnification that ultimately
leads to carcinogenic effect in the human body. Attempts are made to record
some physico chemical parameters from six different stations of Bidyadhari
river.(Gautam et al, 2004).
 Paper deals with the hydrobiological studies of Natnagra pond with
special reference to physico-chemical characteristics. This pond plays an
important role in maintaining the drinking water supply of Dhar district. It
was found that the water is suitable for drinking only after proper treatment
because of the presence of high level of coliforms. However, the water is
suitable for irrigation and pisciculture.(Preeti et al, 2005).
Phosphamidon significantly reduced dissolved oxygen (DO) at 1.8
mg/l exposure and reduced alkalinity at 0.9 and 1.8 mg/l. Hardness also
reduced gradually but not significantly. Free carbondioxide was increased
significantly at 1.8 mg/l of the insecticide compared to control. The
insecticide had no influence on pH and temperature. There was maximum
reduction of phytoplankton and zooplankton population at 1.8 mg/l of
phosphamidon. The normal behaviour and feeding rate of air breathing
teleost, Channa punctatus was also hampered. Therefore, phosphamidon
even at low concentrations may create disorders in the aquatic ecosystem.
(Gopal et al, 2004).
An assessment of water quality of Keetham lake has been done to
know its impact on wild life toxicology of Sur Sarovar Wild Life Sanctuary.
Different type of industrial discharge, fertilizers, pesticides reach to
Keetham lake and contaminate it. As water quality relates to aquatic
toxicology including biotic and abiotic components, numerous
physicochemical characteristics such as pH, hardness, alkalinity, BOD, COD
etc. often influence the water quality. (Kalpana et al, 2005).
A gas chromatography method using mass spectrometer detector is
proposed for qualitative and quantitative determination of pesticide residues
in water using helium as a carrier gas. Seven pesticides have been included
in this standard. Linear response was obtained within the concentration
range of 0.8 to 8 ng/l. (Gawankar et al, 2004).
Various pollution indicators of stream Ban-Ganga have been identified
on the basis of presence/absence/numerical abundance at various stations.
They have been categorized as pollution tolerant, facultative and pollution
intolerant groups in relation with the water quality at different stations of
stream. (Gupta et al, 2005).
Recycle and reuse of wastewater have become a need of time due to
limited water resource. A large number of effluents, domestic sewage and
industrial wastewater can be reused to a significant extent after suitable
treatment. Several steps have been taken by India in the direction of
pollution control employing reuse and recycle principle. The efforts have
eventually resulted in the reuse of discharged treated effluents either in the
same industry or for some other purposes. Paper discusses the various ways
of recover and utilization of wastewater. (Agarwal et al, 2004).
Paper reports the results of an efficient electrochemical removal of
colour and reduction in toxicity of textile industry effluents. The
electrochemical behaviour is analyzed and assessed in terms of removal of
colour, decrease in absorbance, time taken to completely remove colour
from the dye solution, decrease in chemical oxidation demand, total
dissolved solids and disapperance of any reduction peak in colourless
solution, thereby indicating the absence of electrochemically active break
down product. (Rajiv et al, 2004).
The studies were being conducted in a column with varying depths of
laterite by keeping constant gravel depth. The flow varied for all the depths
and the results obtained were found to be quite encouraging as compared to
some of the established costly techniques. This technique can be employed
in rural areas and places where expensive techniques like electrolytic
precipitation, etc. cannot be adopted. (Ranjana et al, 2004).
A study made on the physico-chemical characteristics of water
samples mixed with effluent discharged from textile industries at different
sites revealed the elevated levels of Ca, Mg, Na, Cr, K, Ni, Cu, Zn, CO 3,

SO4, NO3 and Cl. The concentrations of these ions exceeded the limit

prescribed by ISI. Water at these sites was found to be hard, brackish and
unsuitable for drinking purpose. In all these sites, the seed germination of
rice alone was significantly affected among the other crops tested. (Ramesh
et al, 2005).
The removal of three dyes, methylene blue, malachite green, and
rhodamine B from aqueous solutions at different concentrations, pH and
temperatures by Akash Kinari coal has been studied. It has been found that
per cent adsorptions of methylene blue, malachite green, and rhodamine B
onto the adsorbate decrease from 97.18 to 83.90, 89.16 to 79.77, and 78.40
to 67.35, respectively, when their concentrations in solutions are increased
from 5 to 20 mg/L at 301 C and at pH 6.8, 7.2 and 5.8 respectively. (Khan
Tabrez et al, 2004).
An economically feasible and environment-friendly natural method of
effluent treatment, i.e. lysimeteric/land treatment is suggested. The four
types of soil textures viz., pure soil (ST1), soil mixed with dand in ratio of

50:50 (ST2), 75:25 (ST3), and 25:75 (ST4) are taken for lysimetric treatment

of this effluent. The experiment shows that the normal soil (ST 1) reduces

most of the selected parameters of effluent more efficiently that ST 4,

however, the pH of the effluent is not changed significantly. (Singhal et al,
2004).
Monitoring of Sanganer nallah and surrounding tube wells was carried
out during rainy season. The results revealed that the discharge of untreated
industrial effluents and sewage in to nallah have contributed considerable
pollution in the ground water in its vicinal areas, and is harmful for use in
agriculture and drinking purposes. The quality parameters were compared
with the drinking water standards laid by WHO and ICMR. The levels of
nitrate and fluoride concentration are high in tube well water samples, and
need serious attention. (Dinesh et al, 2005).
Physico-chemical properties of water of Radha Kunda (District
Mathura, UP) were studied at three sampling stations. The values of BOD,
COD and ammoniacal nitrogen were found above the permissible limits.
(Sharma et al, 2005).
Both, degradation and decolorisation of an azo dye, methyl red, have
been examined in fixed film bioreactors with mixed cultures of bacteria and
fungi at different retention periods of 1 and 0.6 days. The toxicity of methyl
red decreased after its degradation in the bioreactors, especially when methyl
red was supplemented with both organic and inorganic nutrients. Further,
reduction in toxicity of modified bioreactor outflows was higher than that of
normal bioreactor outflow. (Sharma et al, 2005).
The HPPC (hardened paste of Portland cement) has been used as a
low-cost adsorbent for removal of arsenic from water environment. Results
from batch experiments, conducted at an initial concentration of 0.2 ppm
(parts per million) of arsenate, suggest arsenate removal up to 95%. Kinetic
profiles were developed for various conditions. Finally, column studies were
undertaken involving the new HPPC to check the suitability of the material
removal of total arsenic content from water body. Kinetic experiments for
the removal of arsenic by column studies revealed a film diffusion
mechanism. (Kavalakatt et al, 2004).
A study on pollution of drinking water of Kolhapur city was carried
out for two subsequent years during different seasons. The samples were
analysed for physical chemical and microbiological parameters. The results
were compared with the water quality standards of different agencies. The
results obtained during the study were used to correlate the efficiency of the
drinking water treatment methods used in the respective filter houses.
(Varsha et al, 2005).
Study addresses the characterization of aerosols and their radiative
impacts over urban (Hyderabad) and rural (Srisailam) environments by using
aerosol optical depth (AOD) measurements from MICROTOPS-II
sunphotometer. AOD measurements over the urban site showed high values
compared to the rural site. (Madhavi et al, 2004).
Behaviour of major elements viz. calcium and magnesium has been
studied in the well mixed Rushikulya estuary. These elements indicated an
increasing trend in their concentrations from river to estuarine end. They
exhibited higher concentrations in May-June and lower concentrations in
July-September and were predominant in seawater. The ratios of Ca/Cl and
Mg/Cl at varying chlorine concentrations were always within the normal
oceanic ranges. (Mahapatro et al, 2004)
Physico-chemical analyses were carried out in a hospital waste-fed
pond during post and pretreatment periods. In the pretreatment phase
considerable variations in the water quality were observed. Maximum
atmospheric temperature, water temperature, transparency, phosphate and
chloride were recorded during summer, whereas pH, dissolved oxygen and
calcium peaked during winter. In the post-treatment phase of the pond, the
conditions drastically improved. (Nehal et al, 2005).
The highest diversity of fish species was noticed where human
disturbance was minimal. In that site the contamination factor of heavy
metal in water ranged between 0.98 and 4.36. The DO, BOD and COD
values were 6.99, 2.94 and 15.62 mg/l respectively. Low diversity of fish
species was observed where the textile-mill effluent entered the river. The
contamination factor of heavy metal in water in the site showed higher
values from 2.5 to 18.2. (Martin et al, 2004).
The photochemical degradation of o-chlorobenzoic acid on titanium
dioxide was carried out in the presence of Fentons reagent, and progress of
the reaction was monitored spectrophotometrically. The effect of the
variation of various parameters such as pH, concentration of o-

chlorobenzoic acid, Fe3+ion concentration, amount of the photocatalyst,

amount of hydrogen peroxide, light intensity etc. on the photodegradation of
o-chlorobenzoic acid was observed. A tentative mechanism for this
degradation has also been proposed. (Agarwal et al, 2003).
In order to assess the spatial and temporal changes in ground water
quality, well sites of central to western region of Chennai were analysed. A
significant level of variation was found in respect of various parameters. The
results clearly indicate that the water of the well sites is severely degraded.
(Dhamodhar et al, 2005).
Correlations among various ground water quality parameters were
made with the data of 63 ground water samples collected from the
Jeedimetla Industrial Estate in Hyderabad city. Various statistical models
were applied to analyze the results, and the best fit out of all the models was
chosen. The correlations were highly significant (>85%) between the
parameters pH and alkalinity as well as for pH and cadmium content, which

agree with a 3rd degree polynomial. Similarly EC and DS as well as EC and

hardness agree with a power fit model, EC and copper content with a
sinusoidal model, and hardness and calcium content with the saturated
growth rate model. (Nageshwara et al, 2005).
Investigation aimed to evaluate the toxic effect of Cr compounds on
certain haematological parameters in a fresh water common carp Cyprinus
carpio (Linn) exposed to 40 and 20% leather tannery effluent for a period of
28 days. A significant decrease in total erythrocyte count, total leucocyte
count and haemoglobin concentration was observed, compared to the
control. (Jithender et al, 2004).
Batch mode studies were conducted to study the removal of phenol,
2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (TCP) and Pentachlorophenol (PCP) from aqueous
solution on coir pith carbon by adsorption process under varying
experimental conditions such as agitation time, adsorbent dose, pH and
temperature. Equilibrium adsorption data follow Langmuir isotherm for
phenol and PCP and the adsorption capacities were found to be 48.3 mg and
3.7 mg/g, respectively. (Namasivayam et al, 2004).
The assessment of groundwater quality status was carried out in
Amini Island. Total hardness and salinity were found to be the most critical
water quality parameters exceeding the permissible limits of drinking water
standards. Spatial variation diagrams of salinity and hardness have been
prepared for different seasons. It is also observed from these maps that the
salinity and hardness are comparatively better on the lagoon side compared
to the seaside. These maps also suggest that the salinity and the hardness
problem is more in the southern tip compared to northern portion.
(Narasimha et al, 2005).
The water quality parameters were studied for the entire Chilka lake
covering a maximum of 23 sampling stations. The pH of water was alkaline
throughout the lake and both pH and salinity varied widely. Higher pH with
low salinity zones reflected disintegration of submerged weeds. Correlation
analysis supported the increase of pH, high photosynthetic activity, high
nutrients as well as phosphate depletion due to phytoplankton utilization in
the fresh water zone. (Nayak et al, 2004).
Removal of toxic Cr(VI) in aqueous medium was investigated using
activated carbon adsorbents prepared from Simarouba glauca seed shells.
The removal of Cr(VI) was in general most effective at pH range 2.0-4.0 and
high Cr(VI) concentrations. Important characteristics of activated carbons
were also investigated. The removal of Cr(VI) around 97% was observed
with 1:2 impregnated activated carbon at pH 3.0 where as other adsorbent
showed much lower activities. (Neelavathi et al, 2004).
Paper reviewed the technologies used for arsenic removal in
Bangladesh and India. All these technologies are found effective and safe for
arsenic removal from tube well water. However, they need promotion and
awareness for wider implementation in the acute arsenic problem areas to
avoid ingestion of excessive arsenic through tube well water. The arsenic
removal technologies are expected to improve further through adaptation in
the rural environment of Bangladesh and India. (Pachpande et al, 2004).
Study reports on the quality of water used for domestic purposes
based on 12 parameters from 10 different sources in the area of Lumding
and its vicinity. Water samples were collected in four seasons for two years
and analysed for temperature, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids,
conductivity, acidity, free CO2, bicarbonate, chloride, dissolved oxygen,

total hardness, calcium and magnesium. The result are discussed in relation
to the health hazards due to water quality. (Misra et al, 2004).
Study deals with the impact of industrial effluents of a pharmaceutical
industry on ground water pollution in Mahaboobnagar. 15 points are selected
around the pharmaceutical industry for analysis of water by selecting 16
parameters. All the parameters except sulphates, nitrates and fluorides are
high and out side the permissible limits and responsible for groundwater
pollution. The ground water is polluted and is not useful for drinking and
agricultural uses. (Srinivas et al, 2005).
Siraswa river is a polluted waterbody of Himalayan origin. The soil of
this river at the selected effluent point is sandy/loam. The pH was slightly
alkaline with moderate phosphate concentration. Calcium and magnesium,
sodium and potassium were in good amounts. The microbes were dominated
by bacteria followed by the fungi and actinomycetes. The mortality data of
fish were found to be related to the concentration of materials in water and
the exposure period. (Iqbal et al, 2005).
Seasonal distribution of physico-chemical characteristics and nutrients
has been studied at two stations of Uppanar estuary in relation to effluent
discharges from SIPCOT industries. There are 44 industries discharging
their effluents into Uppanar estuary, which may influence the biota. Nutrient
concentrations were higher during monsoon season and low during summer
season. (Rajaram et al, 2005).
Growth of the organisms was reduced due to presence of arsenic (III)
and (V) in the culture medium. In comparison to arsenic (V), arsenic (III)
had more toxic effect on microalgae. Among the different algal strains, blue
green algal species Oscillatoria-Lyngbya mixed culture showed maximum
efficiency in removing arsenic (64%) after 21 days of incubation and the
same algal species could remove arsenic (III), but 60% after 21 days when
incubated in 0.1 mg/l arsenic (III) containing medium. Maximum removal
was observed at their exponential growth phase and also sometime extended
to the stationary phase.(Samal et al, 2004).
Study deals with assessment of pollution status of river Irai (Dist.
Chandrapur). The increased values of BOD in river water are indicative of
increased quantity of industrial effluents. The reduced DO content is due to
hot ash slurry from thermal power plant. The analysis of river water to
assess potability indicates that it is adversely affected by industrial effluents.
The data collected from present study reveals that there is inverse
relationship between DO and BOD and potability of Irai river water is below
the standard permissible limit. (Sawane et al, 2004).
Sorption of As(III) has been studied on the synthesized gel close to
sodium potassium fluorophlogopite [Na0.5 K0.5 Mg3 (Si3 AlO10) F2] as a

function of initial solution concentration at pH 2,4 and 7. The effect of

parameters like equilibration time (0.5 24.0 hr), weight of the exchanger
(30-150 mg) and temperature (25-45C) has been investigated. The uptake
of metal ion, As(III) has been expressed in terms of distribution coefficient
i.e. (kd) values. (Sunita et al, 2005).
The physico-chemical analysis of potable water samples from villages
of Sanganer, Jaipur was carried out in laboratory using standard techniques.
The results revealed that pH, EC and alkalinity of all the samples were very
high which can be correlated with high TDS and chloride. Twenty eight
percent villages contained high fluoride concentration than permissible limit
i.e., 1.5 ppm. A positive correlation was observed between pH and fluoride,
TDS and EC. Hardness showed negative correlation with fluoride and pH.
(Jain et al, 2005).
Paper addresses the effect of pollution on dissolved oxygen content
(DO) in a Shivalik Himalayan stream during early hours of day in the
summer season. The study showed that the dissolved oxygen in the stream is
below 4mg/l in a stretch of 2600m and therefore water is not fit for public
supply, bathing, wildlife and fish culture. (Sharma et al, 2004).
Hathli is sub-tributary of River Beas in outer Himalayas, and getting
polluted due to wastewater of Hamirpur town. A surface water quality
model, Stream-I, developed for Ganga Action Plan was calibrated for one set
of data collected freshly. The study revealed that the Biochemical Oxygen
Demand (BOD) deoxygenation rate constant for this hilly stream is much
higher than the values reported in the available literature for major rivers of
the world. It should be selected very carefully during water quality modeling
of streams in hilly regions. (Sharma et al, 2004).
Percentage fish mortality was low and almost similar to control
treatment (<10%), when they were exposed to low concentration (10 ppm)
of detergents Henko and Surf excel for 30 days (chronic exposure) in the
oligotrophic microcosms developed in the University Botanical garden. The
RBC counts however, decreased in the detergent treatments (Surf excel =
58%; Henko = 40%). Algal species richness (20-40%), their density (20-
90%) and a diversity (5-20%) were also greater in the detergent treatments.
(Subhasini et al, 2004).
Studies were carried out to remove Fe(II) from wastewater using free
and immobilized cells of Pseudomonas fluorescens. Studies with free and
immobilized cells revealed that immobilized cells are more efficient for
removal of Fe(II) than free cells. Fe(II) uptake with Pseudomonas
fluorescens is also investigated after the addition of NaCl and MgCl 2 to the

cells. It is found that the uptake has increased when sodium chloride and
magnesium chloride mixed cells are used. (Asha Lata et al, 2004).
Rice polish, a low cost biosorbent has been used for the removal of
lead(II) from wastewater. The conditions for the optimum removal of

lead(II) (95.5%) were found as: pH6.5, initial Pb(II) concentration, 4.0 mgl -
1 and temperature 20C. Dynamics of the sorption process were studied and

the values of Kad (rate constant of adsorption), k id (rate constant of

intraparticle diffusion) and the rate parameter (b1Ss) were calculated. Mass

transfer of Pb(II) from the bulk to the solid phase viz. rice polish has also
been studied at different temperatures. (K.K. et al, 2003).
Water samples were collected from wells, springs and rivers/streams
during pre and post monsoon seasons to evaluate drinking water quality on
the basis of BIS and irrigation water quality. The study showed alkaline
nature of surface and ground water. Calcium and magnesium are dominating
cations and bicarbonate is major anion in the study area. At some locations
the concentration of TDS, Mg, Ca, total hardness, Fe, Mn and Cr exceeded
the limits set up for drinking purposes. Water quality evaluation for
irrigation purposes on the basis of SAR values indicates excellent category
of water. (Singh et al, 2005).
Study deals with the physico-chemical studies of an ancient but
famous fresh water lake Ana Sagar Ajmer, Rajasthan. Data were collected
over a period of six months. The result obtained in the investigation shows
that this lake is highly polluted, its water is extremely alkaline and the nitrate
and phosphates are high in comparison to standard limits as of an eutrophic
lake. (Mathur et al, 2005).
 Groundwater and wastewater samples from Amanishah Nala and
hand pump of seven industrial areas and adjacent localities of Jaipur city
were analyzed during monsoon session with the help of standard methods of
APHA and Black. The values obtained were compared with standards of
ISR, ICMR and WHO. The concentrations of various parameters are within
permissible limits in both groundwater and wastewater but definite
contaminations with special reference to EC, TDS and COD in wastewater
have been observed which calls for at least primary treatment of wastewater
before being used for irrigation. (Singh et al, 2005).
The higher value of fluoride in the upper unconfined aquifers in
comparison to that of the deeper aquifers reveal that it is only the unconfined
zone, consisting of weathered mantle, which represents the main source for
fluoride in groundwater. Suggestions have been incorporated for
ameliorating the adverse high fluoride content in groundwater by blending it
with calcium rich surface water through artificial recharge techniques and
removing the fluoride from the solution in groundwater. (Sinha et al, 2004).
A local industrial product, an intermediate dye, disodium salt of 4,4-
diaminostilbene-2,2-disulphonic acid is introduced as a new reagent for a
selective and sensitive spectrophotometric determination method of trace
levels of nitrate in environmental samples like, water and soil. The stable
water soluble pink azo dye formed under aqueous alkaline condition has an
adsorption maximum at 520 nm. The method is applied to the determination
of nitrite in water and soil samples and the results are compared with the
results obtained from the standard method. (Reddy et al, 2004).
There are significant differences in the water chemistry of the
Himalayan and southern peninsular rivers. Large and small rivers also show
different types of water quality. Liquid and solid waste definitely contribute
to water quality in urban centers and even coastal regions. The sub-continent
also suffers from problems associated with fluoride and also arsenic in
different parts. Water quality studies in such aspects as POP, heavy metals
and microbiology are urgently needed. (Subramanian et al, 2004).
The synthetic water performance in the light of fluoride removal was
studied and compared with the actual fluoride contaminated water of
different selected water collection stations. An indegeneous activated
alumina was used as adsorbent. The performance of the column for fluoride
contaminated water was about 94% fluoride reduction at a pH value of 7.0
and the presence of the total dissolved solids 2114 mg/l in subsoil water
decreased the fluoride removal by 5%. (Shukla et al, 2004).
The Ooty lake in Tamil Nadu is currently heavily infested with water
hyacinth and other aquatic weeds. The water was found to have significant
quantities of nutrients including eutrophication causing nitrogen and
phosphorus, which have arrived mainly due to discharge of municipal
sewage and surrounding runoff. The phosphate has reached up to a
maximum of 12.2 g/ml which is much higher as far as eutrophication is
concerned. (Sobhana et al, 2005).
Studies were undertaken for the removal of colour and COD from
textile industry wastewater by using chemical coagulation process. The
different chemical coagulants used were alum, aluminium sulphate, ferric
chloride and ferrous sulphate. It was found that there was 90-97% colour
removal and 30-36% COD was removed from the waste. To reduce time
required for flocculation and sedimentation, some anionic and cationic
polyelectrolytes were used which reduced half of the time required for
flocculation and sedimentation. (Pathade et al, 2005).
 The respiratory response in terms of oxygen consumption was
recorded at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. At 24 hours exposure, the decrease in
oxygen consumption is noted at 2.15 mg/l concentration while increase in
oxygen consumption at 4.30 mg/l concentration is noted. At 48 hours
exposure, increase in oxygen consumption is recorded at both the
concentrations. At 72 hours exposure, the decrease in oxygen consumption
in both the concentrations is noted but decrease is more at higher sublethal
concentration. At 96 hours, again fall in oxygen consumption is recorded.
The results are discussed in relation to concentrations of Metasystox,
duration of exposure and also with the recovery in oxygen consumption
rates. (Lonkar et al, 2004).
A new granular media developed by coating of iron and manganese on
quartz sand surface proved to be effective for arsenic (III) removal from
water. The media has shown alkali resistance. The rate constants,
equilibrium sorption capacity and normalized standard deviations were
calculated for all the three models. It was shown that all three models almost
accurately predict the sorption capacity with respect to time for whole range
of data points. (Vaishya et al, 2004).
The groundwater quality of different wards of Coimbatore east zone
was assessed by examining various physico-chemical parameters. The water
quality index (WQI), calculated for five parameters of these samples, ranged
between 75 and 100. The results show that the water is suitable for domestic
purposes. (Murali et al, 2005).
Water samples collected from three different sites of river was
subjected to hydrobiological studies. It was found that the pH, chloride,
salinity, total alkalinity, total hardness, dissolved oxygen and TDS were
absolutely higher than the standard values of portable water on account of
contamination of river due to industrial effluents. The river has become
unsuitable for the growth and survivability of aquatic flora and fauna. The
pollution impact was found to be predominant during summer and minimal
during monsoon season. (Vishnoi et al, 2005).
The samples of sewage, industrial sludges and ground waters were
collected from various places in Nashik city. The concentration of metals
was determined by ICP-AES to evaluate the strength of pollution in soil and
ground water. The degree of metal pollution and suitability of ground water
for drinking were evaluated. Out of the metals, the concentration of Cu and
Zn were above the limits of WHO and ISI for drinking, whereas Fe was
much higher, especially in industrial areas. Cd, Pb, Ni, As and Hg were
almost absent in the ground water samples. (Srivastava et al, 2005).
 MATERIALS AND METHODS

Water sample were collected at different locations of Yamuna river Agra

(kailash Ghat, Poiya Ghat, Dushera Ghat, Shamshan Ghat and Taj
Mahal) collected of samples
1. Water samples was collected in sterile plastic containers for
physiochemical analysis.
2. Second water sample (10ml) was collected in 15ml double standard
Mac. Broth.
3. 1st Sample analysed for physiochemical properties including colour,
odour, Taste, Presence of particles, pH, Temperature, Turbidity.
4. 2nd Sample analysed for bacteriological examination sample incubated
at 37oC for 24-48 hrs. then S/C on Solid Media (MaC, EMB, NA)
Colony characteristics & Colony count done following Grams
staining, Bio- chemical Test carried of sugar set, V.P. & MR Test,
Indole, oxidase, catalase and Final identification by correlating the
different methods.

Table I Physiochemical properties of the water sample.

Primary
Sample Colour Odour Taste Temp. pH Turbidity
particle
Ready
1. Yellow Decaying Fish + 32oC 8.4 +
taste
2. Colourless Odourless Tasteless None 31oC 7.7
3. Brownish Musty odour + 29oC 8.8 +
Fishes
4. Green Decaying Fish + 34oC 8.3 +
Taste
Cholorophenol Silica
5. Creamy + 33oC 7.9 +
odour Like
Table II Identification of Bacteria in different Water sample
 Name of
S.No. Mac. ENB W.A.
Bacteria
E.coli + E.coli + Staphylococus
1. E.coli
Staphylococus Salmonella + E.coli
2. E.coli E.coli E.coli E.coli
Psuedomonas Psuedomonas + Psuedomona
3. Psuedomonas
+ E.coli E.coli s + E.coli
E.coli + E.coli + Streptococus
4. E.coli
Streptococus Salmonella + E.coli
E.coli + E.coli +
E.coli +
Psuedomonas E.coli + Psuedomonas
5. Psuedomona
+ Psuedomonas +
s
Streptococus Streptococus

Table III Most probable number (MPS) of the water sample

Sample MPN/ 10ml. Coliform Count in EMB.

Kailash Ghat 102 1010
Poiya Ghat 156 1012
Dushera Ghat 104 109
Shamshan Ghat 94 108
Taj Mahal 151 1012
Gram Staining:

Fix the dried smear.

Cover the fixed smear with crystal violet stain for 60 second.
Wash off the stain with tap water.
Cover the smear with Ingolis iodine for 60 second.
Wash off the iodine with tap water.
Decolorize with acetone- alcohol wash immediately with clean water.
Cover the smear with neutral real stain for 30 second.
Wash off the stain with the tap water.
Dry the smear.
Examine under oil immersion objective to took for bacteria.

Results:
Gram (+ve) bacteria Dark purple.
Gram (-ve) bacteria Pink

EMB Agar (Eosin methylene blue agar)

Peptic digest of animal tissue 10 gm
Dipotassium phosphate 2 gm
Lactose 10gm
Agar 15gm
Eosin 0.40gm
Dissolve in 1000ml. D.W. & Autoclave.

MacConkey Broth.
Peptone 20gm
Lactose 10gm
NaCl 5gm
Bile Salt 5gm
Neutral red 0.075gm
 Distilled Water 1000ml
Dissolved & Autoclave
MacConkey Agar
Peptone 20gm
Lactose 10gm
Bile Salt 5gm
NaCl 5gm
Neutral Red 0.075gm
Agar 12gm
The medium is used at a concentration of 5.2gm in every 100ml. of
distilled water & Autoclave.

Nutrient Agar
Lab-Lonco powder 1gm
Yeast extract 2gm
Peptone 5gm
NaCl 5gm
Agar 15gm
Nutrient agar is used at a concentration of 2.8 gm in every 100ml. of
distilled water & Autoclave.
 DISCUSSION

Water of good drinking quality is of basic importance to human physiology

and mans continued existence depends very much on its availability
(Lamikanra, 1999; FAO, 1997). The provision of portable water to the rural
and urban population is necessary to prevent health hazards (Nikoladze and
Akastal, 1989; Lemo, 2002). Before water can be described as potable, it
has to comply with certain physical, chemical and microbiological
standards, which are designed to ensure that the water is palatable mach
cramps, etc, have been well established but nitrate contamination is just as
deadly. Consequent to the realization of the potential health hazards that
may result from contaminated drinking water, contamination of drinking
water from any source is therefore of primary importance because of the
danger and risk of water borne diseases (Edema et al., 2001; Fapetu, 2000).
The original source of any drinking water is rich in aquatic microbes,
some of which could be dangerous if they enter the human body.
Accordingly, the treatment of water for drinking involves stages where
microbes are removed or destroyed before the water gets into homes. After
purification the water is subjected to tests by bacteriologists to ensure the
safety for human consumption. A long series of dilutions is not necessary by
some sample because most water supplied are fatty low in bacteria content,
while others require long series of dilutions (Fawole and Oso, 2001).
In many developing countries, availability of water has become a
critical and urgent problem and it is a matter of great concern to families and
communities depending on non-public water supply system. Conformation
with microbiological standard is of special interest because of the capacity
of water to spread diseases within a large population. Although the standards
vary from place to place, the objective anywhere is to reduce the possibility
of spreading water borne diseases to the barest minimum in addition to
being pleasant to drink, which implies that it must be wholesome and
palatable in all respects (Edema et al., 2001). The principal objectives of
municipal water are the production and the distribution of safe water that is
fit for human consumption (Lamikanra, 1999). A good knowledge of the
chemical qualities of raw water is necessary so as to guide its suitability for
use. Thus, regular physicochemical analysis of water at source must be
carried out to determine or check the effectiveness of treatment process.
This work is therefore, in an attempt to examine the different sources of
drinking water in Abeokuta and Ojota compared with standard table water
for conformity to microbiological and physicochemical standards for treated
water samples as well as examines the different domestic and industrial
effluents/waste water for conformity to standards for effluent discharges.

MPN Test
Determination of the most profable number of coliform Bacteria
1. To determine the presence of coliform bacteria in a water sample.
2. To obtain some index as to the possible number of organisms present
in the sample under analysis
The presumptive test is specific for detection of coliform bacteria. Measured

aliquots of the water to be tested are added to a lactose fermentation broth

containing an inverted gas vial. Because these bacteria are capable of using
Lactose as carbon source (other enteric measured aliquots of water to be
tested awe added to a lactose organisms are not), their detection is facilitated
by use of this medium. In this experiment the lactose fermentation broth also
contain a surface tension depressant, bile salt, which is used to suppress the
growth of organisms the presumptive test is specific for detection of
coliform bacteria. Other than coliform bacteria. Tubes of all this lactose
medium are inoculated with 10ml, 1 ml and 0.1 ml aliquots of the water
sample. The series consist of at least three groups, each composed of five
tubes of the specified medium.
The tubes in each group are then inoculated the designated volume of the
Water sample as described under procedure. The greater the number of tubes
per group, the greater the sensitivity of the test. Development of gas in any
of the tube is presumptive eve dance of the presence of coliform bacteria in
the sample. The microbiologist to obtain some idea of the Number of
coliform organisms present by mean of the most profable number test. The
MPN is estimated by determining the number of tubes in each group that
show gas following the incubation period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CULTURE
Water sample from Yamuna river at different location.
MEDIA
MacConkey Broth
COMPOSITION
Peptone 20gm
Lactose 10gm
Sodium chloride 5gm
Bile salt 5gm
Distilled water 1000ml
We require 10 tubes of double strength MacConkey broth and 30 tubes of
single strength MacConkey broth.
EQUIPMENT
Bunsen burner, 45 test tubes, test tube rack, sterile 10ml pipettes, sterile 1ml
pipettes, Sterile 0.1 ml pipettes, mechanical pipetting device and marker.

PROCEDURE
1. Set up three separate consisting of three groups, a total of 10 tubes per
series, in a test tube rack; for each tube, able the water source and
volume of sample inoculated as illustrated.
2. Mix collected water by shaking thoroughly. Exercise care in handling
Yamuna water sample because enteric pathogens may be present.
3. Flame bottle and then, using a 10 ml pipette, transfer 10ml aliquots of
water sample to the ten tunes labeled MB2X-10ml.
4. Flame bottle and then, using a 1ml pipette, transfer 1 ml aliquots of
water sample to the ten tubes labeled MBIS 1ml.
5. Flame bottle and using a 0.1 ml pipette , transfer 0.1 ml aliquots of
water sample of ten tubes labeled MBIS 0.1 ml.
6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 for Yamuna water sample.
7. Incubate all tubes for 48 hours at 37oC.