Assessment of abundance and resistance of E. coli to antibiotics in the Ganga and Yamuna Rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India

Rapid population growth has intensified the demand for healthcare facilities, leading to the extensive use of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals. Improper utilisation and disposal of these compounds have accelerated the emergence of antibiotic resistance in microbial populations. In this study, water and sediment samples were collected from five districts along the Ganga and Yamuna Rivers in Uttar Pradesh, India, and analysed for physicochemical parameters, Most Probable Number (MPN), and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing in order to assess the antibiotic resistance in E. coli in the Ganga and Yamuna Rivers. The results showed that pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and nitrate levels exceeded permissible limits. MPN values were higher than the criterion of 500 MPN/100 ml for outdoor bathing in both rivers. AST results indicated that E. coli isolates exhibited resistance to Penicillin and Vancomycin, while Multiple Antibiotic Resistance was observed at most sampling sites. The Yamuna River exhibited poorer water quality compared to the Ganga, with higher nitrate and microbial contamination, contributing to elevated antibiotic resistance. These findings highlight the growing public health risk posed by resistant bacteria in aquatic systems. If left unaddressed, this issue could severely compromise effective treatment options and hinder progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3 and SDG 6.