Faecal Coliform Bacteria

Published on 07 Oct 2025

• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has released data on the assessment of water quality at the Sangam confluence in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.

• High levels of faecal coliform (microbes from human and animal excreta) were found in river water in which crores of people took holy dip during the Maha Kumbh.

• Faecal coliforms are a group of bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. 

• Their presence in water indicates contamination by 

• human or animal waste, posing a risk of disease-causing pathogens. 

• The maximum permissible limit of fecal coliform should be 2500 MPN/100mL and BOD should be 3 mg/L.

• Data released by the CPCB shows that on Makar Sankranti (January 14), the fecal coliform levels were over 4 times (11,000 MPN/100mL) the permissible limits.

Keywords:

Faecal Coliform Bacteria Coliform Bacteria Diseases Health Hygiene Central Pollution Control Board CPCB