Observing the proliferation of Salmonella sp. in Karnaphuli River: Catastrophic for the Riverbank dwellers

The quality of Karnaphuli River water has an important role in human infection and disease sheltered near Karnaphuli River along with the people of Chittagong. The once-powerful Karnaphuli River is severely contaminated, which could lead to the spread of bacterial infections. However, there is very little information available regarding the diversity of bacterial pathogens in Karnaphuli, particularly in the estuary area. The present study was conducted to systematically examine the prevalence of indicator and pathogenic microorganism Salmonella sp. in water and sediment samples along with their relationship with some physiochemical parameters like pH, salinity, DO, temperature, etc. during September 2021. A total of 6 water samples from 6 different stations were taken and samples were examined by the pour plate culture method along with chemical and biological tests for detection of Salmonella sp. This study showed that all water and sediment samples were positive for Salmonella sp. There were significant differences between Station no. 2, referred to as Firingee Bazar, and the 6th station, known as Soltgola. The present research shows that pollution indicators like DO, salinity and the amount of cells of bacteria prevail in the unhygienic and polluted situation of the river which is a clear picture of uncontrolled hazardous activity.