Science Letters

Bacteriological analysis of tap, processed and filtered water samples

Wardah Sharmeen Syed 1, Khawar Ali Shahzad 2*, Farid Ahmed Khan 1, Khadija Abid 1

1 Department of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan

2 Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

The bacterial and chemical contamination of water is the leading cause of numerous diseases, i.e., Cholera, Hepatitis A, Schistosomiasis and many others. Polluted water is dreadfully a big threat to many lives all across the globe. In this present study, a total of 60 water samples i.e., bottled, tap and drinking water samples were collected in sterile containers. By using the techniques of spread plate and filter paper replication methods, colonies were isolated. Further identification was done using microbiological and biochemical tests. The organisms identified were Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococus aureus, Bacillus spp., Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus vulgaris, Aeromonas spp. and Micrococcus spp. Their prevalence patterns were also studied accordingly. Attention must be paid for the sustainability of the water and the lives, which are dependent on its consumption. From the microbiological standpoint, a safety UV disinfection step in the water-treatment system is encouraging. To void bacterial re-contamination episodic cleaning and disinfection of the water-treatment and distribution systems should be done.

Keywords: Water quality, pathogenic strains, paper replication method.

Received December 02, 2013; Revised February 11, 2014; Accepted February 20, 2014

*Corresponding Author: Khawar Ali Shahzad; Email: khawar7bar@yahoo.com;