Detection of Escherichia coli and total microbial population in River Siran water of Pakistan using Emb and Tpc agar

There is an increased ratio of gastrointestinal diseases in the area of Mansehra, Pakistan, which depends on the Siran River for drinking. These diseases drew our attention to analyze the microbial population. For detection of Escherichia coli and other microbial population, samples were collected from different regions of Mansehra, Pakistan. Two samples were collected from each site for proper detection of microorganisms and repeated the process 5 times. The microbial counts were performed using total plate count agar (TPC) and eosin methylene blue (EMB). The samples were cultured on EMB and TPC agar at 370C for 24 h. The findings revealed that Baffa and Bajna had high microbial count confirmed by EMB and TPC. To this end, we confirmed that Siran River has high microbial count. The E. coli detection in water indicates the fecal contamination and the presence of E. coli in water makes the water unfit for drinking.   Key words: Escherichia coli, eosin methylene blue, total plate count, drinking water.