Microbiological and Physicochemical Quality of Potable Water in Valasi, Agency Area, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the water quality of the Valasi panchayat of Ananthagiri mandal in Visakhapatnam district with affable means. The physicochemical and microbial studies are the most important means by which we are able to test the potability of water. The isolation and characterization of the pathogenic microorganism from the water sample collected were the main areas emphasized in the study. In this study, drinking water samples were collected from a stream, a hand bore and a well for a period of 2 years, i.e., from April 2011 to March 2013. The various constituents monitored include the physicochemical characters, the bacterial parameters like total plate count (TPC), most probable number (MPN) and isolation and identification of pathogenic bacteria. The physicochemical characters of all the three drinking water samples were within the recommended permissible level of WHO. The total plate count was above the WHO guidelines values (<10 CFUs/ml) in the three water samples studied and the highest count was during August and September. The bacteria isolated were E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus, Group D Streptococcus, Vibrio cholerae and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The samples were inoculated and were incubated at 37 °C for 24 or 48 h for appropriate bacterial growths. Poor quality of drinking water in the area gave rise to major risk factor for the large-scale of waterborne diseases. Thus we can use this study for the assessment of water and to resolve the hygienic problems of water.