Development of Cost-effective E. coli Bacteria Disinfectant for Water Purification in India
Wonhee Cho
American International School Chennai (AISC), Chennai, India
Publication date: January 28, 2025
American International School Chennai (AISC), Chennai, India
Publication date: January 28, 2025
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/JIYRC202438
ABSTRACT
Water contamination with Escherichia coli (E. coli) poses a significant threat to public health in India. Following the 1947 independence of India, rapid urban growth contaminated water sources through wastewater and a lack of water pollution control. The contaminated water sources contribute to a high incidence of waterborne diseases, especially diarrhea, abdominal pain, and furthermost hemolytic-uremic syndrome. These waterborne diseases affect millions annually and are particularly lethal for children under five. This study aims to develop a cost-effective, natural disinfectant using locally available products: tamarind, coconut shell, and amla. The experimental process involves meticulously measured products placed inside the double-layered filter and tested for antibacterial efficacy against E. coli as a disinfectant mixture. Succeeding a significant reduction in E. coli colonies is found when treated with the disinfectant mixture compared to the control. The potential of these natural substances as viable, cost-effective disinfectants for water purification in India is indicated by the results, and further optimization of their concentrations is recommended to enhance their antibacterial effectiveness.
Water contamination with Escherichia coli (E. coli) poses a significant threat to public health in India. Following the 1947 independence of India, rapid urban growth contaminated water sources through wastewater and a lack of water pollution control. The contaminated water sources contribute to a high incidence of waterborne diseases, especially diarrhea, abdominal pain, and furthermost hemolytic-uremic syndrome. These waterborne diseases affect millions annually and are particularly lethal for children under five. This study aims to develop a cost-effective, natural disinfectant using locally available products: tamarind, coconut shell, and amla. The experimental process involves meticulously measured products placed inside the double-layered filter and tested for antibacterial efficacy against E. coli as a disinfectant mixture. Succeeding a significant reduction in E. coli colonies is found when treated with the disinfectant mixture compared to the control. The potential of these natural substances as viable, cost-effective disinfectants for water purification in India is indicated by the results, and further optimization of their concentrations is recommended to enhance their antibacterial effectiveness.
