African Journal of
Biotechnology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Biotechnol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1684-5315
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJB
  • Start Year: 2002
  • Published Articles: 12481

Short Communication

Bacteriological examination of drinking water in Burdwan, India with reference to coliforms

Chatterjee, S.N.1*, Das, D.1, Roy, M.1, Banerjee, S.1, Dey, P.1, Bhattacharya, T2 and Chandra, G1.
1Microbiology Research Unit, Parasitology and Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Burdwan University, Burdwan-713104, West Bengal, India. 2Department of Zoology, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore-721102, W.B., India.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 18 June 2007
  •  Published: 19 November 2007

Abstract

Most probable number (MPN) test was done to detect the coliform in water samples collected from mobile vendors, sweet shops and tap water supplied from Burdwan municipality. The study revealed that the number of coliforms was very high (≥1600) in water samples collected from mobile vendors. The bacteria were identified asEscherichia coli. Bacteriological examination of water samples collected from different sources showed that the water of mobile vendors and sweet shops of Burdwan market area was not potable while the municipal tap water was found to be safe for drinking.

 

Key words: Drinking water, coliform, MPN test.