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International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)

e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 11 Issue: 04 | Apr 2024

p-ISSN: 2395-0072

www.irjet.net

Physico-Chemical and Microbial analysis of various drinking water sources in Chengalpattu District (Tamilnadu) India Karthikeyan Vijayan*1 , Ravi Krishna Venkatesan2 , Nandhini Govindhan3 , Loganath Chokkalingam4, Madhumitha Anandhan5, Venugopal Kaliyamoorthy*6 1* Professor, Department of Bio-Technology, Karpaga Vinayaga College of Engineering and Technology, Chennai,

Tamil Nadu, India. 2,3,4,5 Student, Department of Bio-Technology, Karpaga Vinayaga College of Engineering and Technology,

Chennai, TamilNadu, India. 6* Research Scholar, Department of Bio-technology, Karpaga Vinayaga College of Engineering and Technology,

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. -------------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------

Abstract- This study investigates the physicochemical and

Microbiological properties of various drinking water sources in Chengalpattu District. Standard methods were employed for the physicochemical analysis of the water samples, while microbial isolation was conducted using the streak plate method on nutrient agar and selective media for identification purposes. The physicochemical characteristics of all water samples were found to be within the recommended permissible levels set by the WHO. However ,the total plate count exceeded WHO guideline values in five of the water samples, with the highest count observed in tank water. Three bacterial isolates, namely Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus cereus, were identified, all of which are highly pathogenic. These findings suggest that water in Chengalpattu District is heavily contaminated and not safe for drinking or utility purposes. This study underscores the urgent need for pollution control measures in water bodies.

KeyWords:

Water,

Chengalpattu,

Microbiological,

Physicochemical.

1. INTRODUCTION Water is a vital resource with multifaceted uses encompassing hydroelectric power generation, domestic, industrial, transportation, and commercial applications. Despite covering over three-quarters of the Earth’s surface, only a mere 2.8% is suitable for human consumption. Its significance extends beyond sustenance to supporting health, lifestyle, and economic activities [1]. Unfortunately, more than a third of the global population faces moderate to severe water stress due to its limited availability, exacerbated by population growth [2].

Rivers, in particular, serve as conduits for industrial wastewater and agricultural runoff, perpetuating a cycle of pollution [4]. Freshwater, essential for human existence and agriculture, is finite. Without sustainable access to quality freshwater, healthy living and development are unattainable [5]. The scarcity and degradation of water pose serious challenges due to inadequate water management systems [6]. Given the intimate relationship between water quality and human health, microbial analysis is imperative to ensure water safety. Physicochemical and microbiological assessments are crucial to as certain the portability of water before consumption [7]. Natural water sources are susceptible to contamination from various pollutants [8], leading to the proliferation of infectious diseases, particularly among children, caused by enteric pathogens such as enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., and Vibrio cholerae O1 [9]. A diverse array of microbes , including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae, and viruses, inhabit water ecosystems, forming intricate dynamics that are often challenging to comprehend [10]. The presence of fecal coli forms indicates potential pathogenic microorganisms, posing a risk of waterborne diseases [11]. Groundwater resources are especially vulnerable to pollution, with quality fluctuating seasonally [12,13]. Pollution stems from natural processes as well as human activities, including chemical and microbial contamination through surface runoff and direct waste injection [14].

Rapid industrialization, mining, agricultural, and urbanization activities have led to widespread contamination of river water with wastewater and hazardous substances. Approximately 70% of water bodies worldwide are polluted by domestic sewage and industrial effluents discharged into natural water sources such as rivers, streams, and lakes [3].

A comprehensive assessment of water quality necessitates the survey of all potential pathogens posing a risk to human health [15]. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established essential parameters for drinking water quality, including fecal coli forms, chlorine residual, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature [16]. Water contaminated with agricultural, industrial, or sewage waste poses significant hazards to human consumption [17].

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