Assessment of the Escherichia coli pollution in drinking water and water sources in Sistan, Iran

Abstract

Abstract Water should be free of dangerous agents and able to provide the nutritional needs of humans and animals. Adequate and reliable water supply is essential for healthy animal production. This study was carried out in Sistan region, Sistan and Baluchistan State, Iran, to evaluate the pollution rate of drinking water and water sources with fecal Escherichia coli via the most probable number (MPN) method. A total number of 100 water samples were collected and divided to drinking and non-potable water groups. The non-potable water was categorized according to flow type, irrigation usage, type of accessibility and geographic location. Mean number of MPN of fecal E. coli in non-potable and drinkable water were detected, 6.1 × 102 and 2.4 coliforms per 100 mL, respectively (p < 0.05). Running water was more contaminated than still and pipe water in the study area (p < 0.05). Significantly, the MPN of fecal coliforms, in non-potable water, collected from the east was higher than the west part of the study area (p < 0.05). Among potable water, in the study area, the west part was remarkably more polluted with fecal E. coli than the east part of the study area (p < 0.05). Results indicated the applicability of water for animal consumption and an alarming signal for human consumption and public health.