Evaluation of Microbial Contamination in Tube Well and Filter Water of Lahore and Treatment with Copper Nanoparticles

Water contamination is a global issue and different techniques are being devised to reduce water contamination. Among these techniques, use of nanoparticles for water purification is an efficient and cost-effective method with minimum or no side effect. Metal nanoparticles are known for their antibacterial activity against various pathogens. Synthesis of these nanoparticles using green synthesis methods minimizes the harmful effects while ensuring their antibacterial activity. Therefore, in the present work, it was aimed to evaluate the microbial contamination in water samples collected from different tube wells and filter plants located in different areas of Lahore, Pakistan for the isolation of microbes. Following their isolation and identification, antibacterial activity of Copper Nanoparticles-synthesized with leaf extract of Aloe vera was evaluated. It was also observed that CuNPs showed antibacterial activity against E.coli and Pseudomonas. Water sample treated with CuNPs also showed significant reduction in bacterial load after treatment. It shows that CuNPs exhibit antibacterial activity and can be used for water treatment. However, extensive research is required to access the possible toxicity of CuNP in water and methods of incorporation of CuNP in filter sheets and membranes.