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Abstract:
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Prevalence of faecal indicator bacteria, Escherichia coli and pathogenic bacteria, Vibrio cholerae,
Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Salmonella were analysed in Vembanadu lake (98350N 768250E), along
south west coast of India for a period of one year from ten stations on the southern and northern
sides of a salt water regulator constructed in Vembanadu Lake in order to prevent incursion of
seawater during certain periods of the year. While the northern side of the lake has a connection
to the sea, the southern side is enclosed when the salt water regulator is closed. The results
revealed the water body is polluted with high faecal coliform bacteria with mean MPN value
ranging from 1718-7706/100 ml. E. coli, V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus and Salmonella
serotypes such as S. paratyphi A, B, C and S. newport were isolated and this is the first report on
the isolation of these Salmonella serovars from this lake. E. coli showed highest percentage of
incidence (85.6–86.7%) followed by Salmonella (42–57%), V. choleare (40–45%) and V.
parahaemolyticus (31.5–32%). The increased prevalence of indicator and pathogenic bacteria in
the enclosed southern part of Vembanadu Lake may be resulting from the altered flow patterns
due to the salt water regulator. |