SEASONAL ASSESSMENT OF FAECAL CONTAMINATION IN GROUNDWATER IN RURAL AREAS OF GOHARGANJ, DISTRICT RAISEN (MADHYA PRADESH), INDIAMEENU SHARMA AND VIPIN VYASAbstract In rural areas, bacterial contamination in drinking water quality is a growing concern throughout the world. The present study dealt with seasonal assessment of faecal contamination in rural areas of Goharganj, district Raisen. Forty sites were sampled and analysed for T. coliform, F. coliform and F. streptococcus by using multiple tube fermentation technique for premonsoon, postmonsoon and winter season for a period of two years from 2018-2020. The average bacterial count (MPN/100 ml) of Total coliform was found to be 4.61, 5.31, 5.08, and for Faecal coliform 2.95, 3.45, 3.37 and for Faecal streptococcus 1.8, 2.21, 1.94 for premonsoon, postmonsoon and winter season respectively. The highest bacterial count was found in postmonsoon season preceded by winter and premonsoon season. This was construed as a major concern for the humans and posed a health risk for the consumers of such contaminated drinking water. In near future, the rural areas may have community programmes for the eradication of unhygienic practices and safe drinking water. |