Bioassessment Approach to Evaluate Open Dug Well water Quality: A Case Study in Thrissur District, Kerala, India

Abstract

The quality and potability of open dug well water sources in three selected Grama Panchayats of Thrissur district have been evaluated by the bioassessment of pathogenic microbial contamination and organic water pollution. The study is carried out during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods of 2016-2017. The count of total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms and Escherichia coli are assessed by Membrane Filtration Method. The identification of algal indicators of organic water pollution is done with the help of standard books and monographs. The status of organic pollution in the well water sources are calculated based on the Palmer’s pollution index scoring system of algal species. The results of the study revealed that the well water sources of all the selected Grama Panchayats have contamination either  due to pathogenic microbes or organic matter or both and hence not desirable for direct drinking purposes. These water sources require immediate attention and pre-treatments before being used up. The population explosion oriented careless and unscientific waste disposal, agricultural practices and improper sanitisation measures might be the cause.