A Study on the Effects of Disinfectant Volume on Total Coliform Population Present in Waterways in Port Kaituma, Guyana
Nicola Beveny
Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Guyana, Guyana.
Ruth Daniel
*
Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Guyana, Guyana.
Elford Liverpool
Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Guyana, Guyana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Water is an important asset to life, but, sometimes it can contain dangerous pathogens that can be located with coliform bacteria. Bleach is an effective substance that has been considered by many to reduce pathogen appearances in water. Studies done indicated that an increase in concentration and volume of bleach can reduce some, if not all, traces of coliform. This research used a five-fold serial dilution and incorporated techniques like addition of bleach and Gram staining to obtain its findings. Only 50% of the samples (Village Two) showcased a presence of coliform bacteria. There were signs of Klebsiella pneumoniaee, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Coagulase Positive Staphylococci and Escherichia coli with the first two mentioned being the most occurring. All three volumes of bleach showed 100% effectiveness in removing active coliform traces. It is important to note that reduction of coliform is a topic that should be addressed immediately, because of its dire consequence on the health of the population.
Keywords: Bleach, coliform, water, disinfectant, microorganisms