Context
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has detected high levels of fecal coliform bacteria in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers at Prayagraj during Maha Kumbh 2025. The report, submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), raises serious concerns about water quality and public health.
What is Fecal Coliform?
Fecal coliform is a subgroup of coliform bacteria that originates from the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals, including humans. It serves as an indicator of sewage contamination in water bodies.
Permissible Limits
- The CPCB standard allows a maximum of 2,500 units of fecal coliform per 100 ml of water.
- For drinking water, E. coli (a type of fecal coliform) must be absent to ensure safety.
Types of Fecal Coliform Bacteria
- Escherichia coli (E. coli): The most common fecal coliform.
- Harmful Strains: Certain strains, like E. coli O157:H7, can cause severe intestinal infections.
What Does Fecal Coliform Presence Indicate?
- Sewage Contamination: Direct discharge of untreated domestic and industrial waste into rivers.
- Pathogen Presence: Increased risk of waterborne diseases such as typhoid, hepatitis A, and gastroenteritis.
- Poor Waste Management: Leakage from septic tanks, sewage systems, and agricultural runoff polluting water bodies.
Impact of Fecal Coliform on Water Quality
1. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) Increase
- Bacteria consume dissolved oxygen while decomposing organic waste.
- High BOD levels lead to oxygen depletion, suffocating aquatic life.
2. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) Increase
- Non-biodegradable pollutants from sewage and industrial waste elevate COD.
- Higher COD levels degrade water quality and harm aquatic ecosystems.
Measures to Control Fecal Coliform Contamination
- Treatment of Sewage Water: Implementing advanced wastewater treatment plants.
- Strict Industrial Regulations: Ensuring proper disposal of industrial effluents.
- Public Awareness & Sanitation: Promoting hygiene practices to prevent direct contamination.
- Regular Water Quality Monitoring: Strengthening surveillance programs to track pollution sources.
MCQs for UPSC CSE
1. What does the presence of fecal coliform in a water body indicate?
A) Presence of heavy metals
B) Sewage contamination
C) Industrial pollution
D) High salinity
Answer: B) Sewage contamination
2. What is the permissible limit of fecal coliform in water, as per CPCB standards?
A) 1,000 units per 100 ml
B) 2,500 units per 100 ml
C) 5,000 units per 100 ml
D) 10,000 units per 100 ml
Answer: B) 2,500 units per 100 ml
3. Which of the following diseases can be caused due to the presence of fecal coliform in water?
A) Typhoid
B) Hepatitis A
C) Gastroenteritis
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
4. What impact does fecal coliform have on Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)?
A) No impact
B) Decreases BOD
C) Increases BOD
D) Neutralizes BOD
Answer: C) Increases BOD
5. Which of the following is a common fecal coliform bacteria?
A) Vibrio cholerae
B) Escherichia coli
C) Salmonella typhi
D) Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Answer: B) Escherichia coli
Mains Question for UPSC CSE
Q1. Discuss the causes, environmental impact, and possible solutions for fecal coliform contamination in Indian rivers. How does it affect aquatic ecosystems and public health?
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