African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 6 (22), pp. 2601-2602, 19 November 2007   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2007 Academic Journals        

Short Communication

Bacteriological examination of drinking water in Burdwan, India with reference to coliforms

Chatterjee, S.N.¹*, Das, D.¹, Roy, M.¹, Banerjee, S.¹, Dey, P.¹, Bhattacharya, T² and Chandra, G¹.

¹Microbiology Research Unit, Parasitology and Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Burdwan University, Burdwan-713104, West Bengal, India.

²Department of Zoology, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore-721102, W.B., India.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: soumen_microbiology@rediff-mail.com.

Accepted 18 June, 2007

Most probable number (MPN) test was done to detect the coliform in water samples collected from mobile vendors, sweet shops and tap water supplied from Burdwan municipality. The study revealed that the number of coliforms was very high (≥1600) in water samples collected from mobile vendors. The bacteria were identified as Escherichia coli. Bacteriological examination of water samples collected from different sources showed that the water of mobile vendors and sweet shops of Burdwan market area was not potable while the municipal tap water was found to be safe for drinking.

Key words: Drinking water, coliform, MPN test.