Year: 2024 | Month: May | Volume: 14 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 279-292
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20240537
Effect of Coliform Bacteria on Various Environmental Factors: A Review
Acharya Balkrishna1, Shalini Mishra1, Maneesha Rana1, Vedpriya Arya1, Shalini Singh2
1Patanjali Herbal Research Department, Patanjali Research Foundation, Haridwar-249405, India
2Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University), Haridwar-249404, India
Corresponding Author: Maneesha Rana, Shalini Singh
ABSTRACT
Sewage sludge is a mud-like residue generated from wastewater treatment that contains pollutants such as heavy metals, fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and other harmful bacteria. Coliform bacteria are rod-shaped Gram-negative non-spore forming motile or non-motile bacteria that may ferment lactose with the production of acid and gas when grown at 35-37°C. The presence of coliform bacteria in sludge is a serious problem for both human health ranging from mild gastrointestinal complaints to more severe illnesses and, environmental safety. Controlling coliform bacteria demands proper sludge management, treatment, and disposal. Appropriate treatment processes, such as aerobic digestion and composting, can reduce the number of coliform bacteria in sludge. Several nanoparticles, including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs), and copper nanoparticles (CuNPs), play a significant role as anti-microbial agents and may be effective in the disinfection of E. coli. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set regulations governing the maximum allowable number of coliform bacteria in sludge. This review provides an overview of the origins of coliform bacteria in sludge, their health concerns, strategies for identification, and various degradation techniques along with their limitations.
Key words: Coliform, Environment, Regulatory bodies, Degradation, Nanotechnology.