Bacteriological Assessment of Lake Water samples in Raipur, Chhattisgarh: A Comprehensive Analysis of Water Samples

Abstract: The assessment of water quality is crucial, relying on both physico-chemical and microbiological standards. A comprehensive understanding of these parameters is essential to guide quality maintenance. Bacterial activity plays a pivotal role in decomposition, significantly influencing nutrient turnover and contributing to the biogeochemical cycle's foundation. Microbial diversity and dominance are integral to the biogeochemical cycle. However, bacterial and viral diseases transmitted through water, such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis, pose significant health risks during monsoon and summer seasons. Different regions adhere to various standards for water and potable water. Lakes play a vital role in determining groundwater quality, the primary source of potable water for rural populations, often consumed with minimal treatment. The quality of lake water is a matter of concern for public health, particularly due to the presence of indicator bacteria such as fecal coliforms, fecal streptococci, fecal staphylococci, and Enterobacteriaceae. In this study, lake water samples were meticulously analyzed for various bacterial loads, including total coliforms, fecal coliforms, E. coli, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. These bacterial indicators not only serve as determinants of water quality but also raise serious concerns about the health of humans and animals relying on these water bodies. In summary, this research delves into the microbiological aspects of water quality in lakes, emphasizing the significance of bacterial indicators and their potential impact on public health. The findings contribute valuable insights for developing strategies to safeguard water quality and mitigate health risks associated with waterborne diseases.