Now Reading: E. coli found in 67% of water samples in Kerala’s Pala region
-
01
E. coli found in 67% of water samples in Kerala’s Pala region
The Story in Brief
A water quality assessment in flood-affected areas along the Meenachil river has detected E. coli bacteria in 67% of samples from water bodies across Pala municipality and six surrounding panchayats. The study by Alphonsa College, Pala, in collaboration with local administrations, tested nine physicochemical and microbiological parameters and found total dissolved solids and pH levels also above permissible limits. Researchers attributed the bacterial contamination to recent floods allowing contaminated surface water to enter sources. The assessment has recommended scientific chlorination and mandatory post-flood water quality testing, and the report was handed over to the Pala municipality at a function attended by Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph. The college has launched a one-year pilot study to track seasonal variations in water quality and is seeking certification from the Kerala State Pollution Control Board for its research laboratory.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Floodwaters are known to wash sewage and animal waste into wells, borewells and streams, and E. coli is the standard indicator that faecal contamination has occurred. The Meenachil river basin floods every few years, yet structured post-flood water testing has been rare. The Kerala State Pollution Control Board's existing drinking water standards require zero coliform in treated supply, but the board does not mandate testing after every flood event. The one-year pilot study by Alphonsa College could produce the first seasonal baseline for this stretch of the river. Whether the Pala municipality acts on the chlorination recommendation and whether the Pollution Control Board certifies the college's lab will determine if this one-off survey becomes a permanent surveillance system.
Source: thehindu.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
