REDUCTION OF BACTERIAL LOAD FROM A LOCAL SOURCE OF POLLUTED WATER THROUGH PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL TREATMENT METHODS

Abstract

In order to evaluate the reduction in bacterial load from polluted water, a laboratory experiment was conducted to examine the effects of physical methods (sedimentation), chemical techniques, and coagulation. The samples underwent UV disinfection for 10, 20, and 30 minutes, as well as chemical disinfection through chlorination. Standard procedures for incubation, calculation, and inoculation were followed. A comparison of the results to the control sample revealed significant differences (p < 0.01**) between sedimentation and coagulation, with extremely significant differences (p < 0.01***) observed between the control sample (11383.63 ± 6200.50) and the coagulation-treated sample (970.62 ± 653.33). The study demonstrates that coagulation and chlorination, especially at a concentration of 0.3 mL, effectively reduce bacterial load, with coagulation followed by UV disinfection providing the most significant reduction in CFU/mL values.