Abstract
There is an increased ratio of gastrointestinal diseases in the area of Mansehra, Pakistan, which depends on the Siran River for drinking. These diseases drew our attention to analyze the microbial population. For detection of Escherichia coli and other microbial population, samples were collected from different regions of Mansehra, Pakistan. Two samples were collected from each site for proper detection of microorganisms and repeated the process 5 times. The microbial counts were performed using total plate count agar (TPC) and eosin methylene blue (EMB). The samples were cultured on EMB and TPC agar at 370C for 24 h. The findings revealed that Baffa and Bajna had high microbial count confirmed by EMB and TPC. To this end, we confirmed that Siran River has high microbial count. The E. coli detection in water indicates the fecal contamination and the presence of E. coli in water makes the water unfit for drinking. Key words: Escherichia coli, eosin methylene blue, total plate count, drinking water.
Highlights
Every year around the globe millions of people die due to gastrointestinal diseases; the leading contributor to this death toll is drinking contaminated water (Hrudey et al, 2006)
The findings revealed that Baffa and Bajna had high microbial count confirmed by eosin methylene blue (EMB) and total plate count agar (TPC)
EMB is the best medium for determination of E. coli, while total plate count media was used to observe the growth of whole microbial population
Summary
Every year around the globe millions of people die due to gastrointestinal diseases; the leading contributor to this death toll is drinking contaminated water (Hrudey et al, 2006). Contaminated water quality, hygiene and sanitation are responsible for approximately 1.7 million deaths each year around the world. Water-borne diseases can be defined as, those diseases which spread and can be transmitted through water; few of them are cholera, typhoid, bacillary dysentery, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis, giardiasis, gastroenteriris etc. The quality of recreational and drinking water was analysed through indicator bacteria belonging to certain genera. The culture tests used to determine these bacteria require a long time to complete and do not differentiate between human and animal fecal material sources (Glassmeyer et al, 2005).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
