DefinePK

Research Objective

To determine the water quality of different localities in district Peshawar by assessing the microbial load in drinking water samples.

Methodology

120 drinking water samples were collected from various sites in Peshawar (tap water, tube well water, and hand pump water). Total Plate Count (TPC), Total Coliform (TC), and Fecal Coliform (FC) were determined using pour plate method and multiple tube fermentation technique.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
A[Sample Collection 120 sites] --> B[Sample Preparation];
B --> C[Bacteriological Analysis];
C --> D[Total Plate Count TPC];
C --> E[Total Coliform TC];
C --> F[Fecal Coliform FC];
D --> G[Data Analysis];
E --> G;
F --> G;
G --> H[Conclusion: Water Quality Assessment];                    

Discussion

The study highlights the need to address sewerage contamination of drinking water as a significant environmental and health issue. Water contamination may be due to leakage in pipes, cross contamination with waste water, short distance between water supply and sewage supply lines.

Key Findings

Out of 120 samples, 44 were contaminated due to high TPC, TC, and FC levels. Total coliforms were found in 37% of the samples, while fecal coliforms were found in 22% of the samples. 66 samples had TPC values exceeding WHO standards.

Conclusion

The study concludes that a significant portion of drinking water samples in Peshawar are contaminated with bacteria, posing potential health risks. The causes include inadequate drainage, old pipes, and proximity of water and sewage lines.

Fact Check

1. 44 out of 120 samples were contaminated. Confirmed by the text.
2. Fecal coliforms were found in 22% of the samples. Confirmed by the text.
3. TPC concentrations ranged from 20 to 1060 cfu/ml. Confirmed by the text.

Mind Map