Multiple choice

What does the presence of coliform in water bodies indicate?

  1. Contamination by industrial toxins

  2. Contamination by faecal matter

  3. Contamination by oil spills

  4. Contamination by excessive nutrients

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Coliform bacteria are a commonly used bacterial indicator of sanitary quality of foods and water. The presence of coliform suggests that the water is being contaminated with the faecal material of humans, livestocks, pets and other animals. Rivers Yamuna, Ganga, Gomti, Ghaggar, Chambal, Mahi and Vardha are amongst the other most coliform-polluted water bodies in India.