DETERMINATION OF EXTENT OF SEWAGE POLLUTION ALONG THE MUMBAI COAST BY EVALUATING PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS, LEVELS OF BACTERIAL INDICATORS AND POTENTIALLY PATHOGENIC ENTERIC BACTERIA IN THE COASTAL WATERSHUBHA GOVILAbstract The study aimed at estimating current levels of pollution indicators from different locations along Mumbai coast. Pre-monsoon and post monsoon samples were collected in 2014 from various stations along the Mumbai coast. Total coliform count [TC], Faecal coliform count [FC], Vibrio cholarae [VC] & V. parahaemolyticus count [VP] were obtained as well as physico-chemical parameters were determined. Turbidity was above the permissible limits of 30 NTU. Low DO (4.56±1.2 to 5.00±1 mg/L) was noted during pre monsoon, moderate levels (5.1±1.4 to 6.5±1.1 mg/ L) were noted post monsoon. BOD values (10±2.6 to 18±2.5 mg/L) and nitrate levels of 4±2 to 42±6mg/L of were noted in samples. Worli sea face & Mahim bay were particularly found to be highly polluted with premonsoon TC counts of 4900-35000/100 mL. FC levels 650-2400 cfu/100mL pre-monsoon & 350-2100 cfu/100mL post-monsoon was obtained. Levels of VC were 70,000 to 1,72,000 cfu /100mL and VP 250 to 2700 cfu/100mL Vibrio cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus and Salmonella sp. were detected in shell fish samples. Vibrio illness can occur not only by eating raw shellfish but also when cuts, burns or boils come in contact with contaminated sea water. VC counts obtained from Mumbai coastal waters were much higher as compared to TC, FC or VP; hence VC could be a better indicator of faecal contamination than FC.
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