BACTERIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE WATER OF KOLAYATJI VILLAGE POND OF BIKANER (RAJASTHAN)

Bacteriological analysis of water revealed the contaminated nature of the pond with total bacterial density ranging from 4980 to 43850/ml during the year. Highest values of density were observed during monsoon. It was positively correlated with water temperature (r = 0.70- 0.71, p < 0.01) and rainfall (r= 0.82 - 0.86, p < 0.01). MPN of coliform ranged between 1000 and 16000/ml and faecal streptococci between 490 and 5400/100ml. While most of the physico-chemical parameters were within the limit of drinking water standards, pH remained on alkaline side. Incidences of water borne diseases were quite common among the people of the locality who regularly consume this water.