Sanitation and Water Microbiology (MBI 344)

Water is necessity for survival of life on earth. About 70% of Earth is covered with water and as far as we know, it is the only planet in our solar system containing liquid water. The percentage of water in human body having 70 kg of weight is 67.85%. Water pollution is defined as the addition of any substance to water or changing of water’s physical and chemical characteristics in any way which interfere with its use for genuine purposes. The polluted water is unfit for drinking, bathing or washing, agricultural and industrial use, for aquatic life, recreation and aesthetic point of view. Unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene play a major role in spreading diseases like cholera and typhoid fever. These conditions also contribute to the emergence of more dangerous forms of diseases, such as extensively drug-resistant typhoid fever. Addressing these challenges requires dedicated efforts to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices. These improvements are necessary for preventing the spread of disease and dealing with emerging threats like antibiotic-resistant infections. Having reliable access to safe water, proper sanitation, and good hygiene practices significantly reduces the burden of disease globally.