PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY OF PWD, GULBERG AND KORANG RIVER, ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study was design to assess the water quality of Gulberg Green and PWD society of Islamabad. a total of 36 samples from three different locations i.e. 15 samples each from Pwd, Gulberg and 6 from korang river areas were collected. In the study physicochemical (pH, TDS, EC, Temperature, Chlorine, Arsenic, Alkalinity, Sodium chloride, Fluoride, Turbidity, Hardness), and microbial tests were performed. The results of the study showed presence of higher concentrations of fecal coliforms (16 water samples), shigella and salmonella in the water of PWD and Gulberg Green. Moreover, 20 percent of the collected samples were positive for all the three types of pathogens i.e E.coli, coliform, shigella and salmonella. According to study and protocols, the results showed that all the outcomes of physicochemical parameters were within the permissible limits and microbiological parameters were determined using Standard Plate Count Method. Only a few samples of Korang River showed higher values of arsenic ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 mg/L.All necessary steps to keep the water suitable for drinking purposes and area of Korang should be treated before entering streams is recommended on urgent basis.