Enumeration of microbial contaminants in sachet water: a public health challenge

Accessibility and availability of fresh clean water is a key to sustainable development and essential element in health, food production and poverty reduction. In the present study, we have collected water sachet containing CM/L number and they were analysed for physical and bacteriological nature. The organisms isolated in this study were Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas vesicularis and Pseudomonas aeruginosae. The harmful effects of these isolates were evidenced by antibiotic resistance, heavy metal tolerance and antibacterial activity. They were resistant to the antibiotics like amoxiclav, methicillin, chloramphenicol and streptomycin. They showed tolerance to the heavy metals at 5 mM conc. except for lead. For antibacterial activity, they were tested against human pathogens Klebsiella pnemoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Micrococcus leuteus and Salmonella paratyphium. But at the same time these organisms could be exploited for the industrial production of amylase, protease and cellulase.