Study flags E. coli in 67% of water samples in Keralam’s Pala region

A water quality assessment conducted in flood-affected areas along the Meenachil river has detected E. coli bacteria in 67% of the samples, raising concerns over the safety of drinking water sources in and around Pala.

The study, conducted by the PG and Research Department of Zoology of Alphonsa College, Pala, in collaboration with local administrations, analysed water samples collected from water bodies in Pala Municipality, Karoor, Bharananganam, Erattupetta, Poonjar, Mutholy and Kidangoor. The assessment was undertaken as part of efforts to mitigate the risk of waterborne diseases in flood-affected areas.

The study evaluated nine physicochemical and microbiological parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinity, chlorinity, total hardness, sulphate, faecal coliform and E. coli.