MICROBIAL ANALYSIS OF DRINKING WATER

Storage container plays a major role that affects the microbial quality of drinking water as mentioned in ayurveda. Objectives: The present research has highlighted the effect of various storage vessels on the microbial quality of drinking water. Methods: Drinking water samples were collected under sterile conditions in a pre-sterilized conical flask and brought to the laboratory immediately for testing. Different vessels, including mud pot, steel container, plastic container, glass container, aluminium container, brass container, copper container and silver container, were taken and rinsed with sterile water. Most Probable Number (MPN) technique was used for analysis of total coliform and fecal coliorm bacteria in the collected water sample. Results: The results of microbial analysis of water stored in eight different containers, showed very clearly the decrease in coliform bacterial population by 12 hrs of storage itself and complete removal of coliform bacteria leading to microbial free safe water within 24 hrs, in water stored in mud pots, brass, copper and silver containers. However, the water stored in other remaining containers viz., steel container, plastic container, glass container and aluminium containers, show the presence of coliform bacteria even in the water stored for 24 hrs. Conclusion: It is concluded that household water storage containers were capable of improving quality of the microbial contaminated water.