| Summary: | The aim of this study was to undertake an assessment of the groundwater quality near city drainages of the Meerut region. Groundwater samples collected from different locations in winter and summer at increasing distances (5 to 70 m) from the drainages were assessed for their suitability for human consumption. The samples were analyzed for various bacteriological parameters including total viable count (TVC), total coliforms (TC), faecal coliforms (FC) and faecal streptococci (FS). Additionally, physico-chemical [pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD)] were assessed. Heavy metals like Al3+ was detected in 83% and Cd, Cu, Zn in 75% and Pb in 41% water samples in winter while during summer season the percentage was slightly higher. Total viable as well as coliforms count exceeded the maximum permissible limits in most water samples irrespective of distance from drainages. The higher most probable number (MPN) values and presence of antibiotic resistant faecal coliforms and streptococci in the water samples suggest the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, heavy metals as well as organic load decreased with increase in distance.
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