The seminar on “how do we spread and control gastro-intestinal infections” was organized by the microbiology department of Karachi University, in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission at the Arts auditorium.
Covering an overview of gastro-intestinal infections and their salient features, the scientists observed that microbial load in drinking water supplied in Karachi was significantly high which also consists of bacteria found in sewage.
Presence of potential human pathogens in drinking water supply should be a matter of concern for general public and health authorities in the city because this can be a source of serious infectious diseases affecting intestinal tract, eyes and skin, it was stated.
A group of scientists at the University of Karachi, who collected samples of water after the death of about 11 people owing to water contamination in Landhi’s Awami Colony, also made a presentation at the seminar.
About 1,100 people were affected owing to a severe water-borne disease which hit parts of Landhi recently.
After analysis, the group found that water was contaminated with potential human pathogens, including vibrio cholerae, enterobacter, pseudomonas and other deadly micro-organisms.
According to a PhD student of the microbiology department, Adnan Khan, investigations for the presence of enteric virus and chemical contamination are under way, and the results would be known soon.
The KWSB should set up a state-of-the art drinking water quality assurance laboratory to ensure pathogen-free water supply to citizens” said a report prepared by Dr Shahana Urooj Kazmi and Adnan Khan of Karachi University.
Prof Dr Ateef Qureshi from St Georges University School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies, who is a former student of KU as well, delivered a keynote address, and said that since the water supply situation in Karachi was highly perturbing, public awareness and education should be on the top of list.
He said provision of safe potable water was the responsibility of the government and agencies concerned, but it was unfortunate that tests carried out by microbiologists showed that the state of affairs in the water sector was not up to mark and as such it were the consumers who should pay special attention to what they eat and drink and take precautionary measures.
The pro-vice chancellor of KU, Dr Akhlaq Ahmad, said that the water administration should ensure safe drinking water for people, while on the other hand community should also extend support to make the system safe and environment-friendly.
He stressed the need for replacement of dilapidated and worn-out sewerage and water lines to avert mixing of sewerage water in water meant for human consumption.
Other speakers, including Dr Shahana, observed that while the authorities were unable to come up with long-term and viable measures to ensure safe drinking water, it was in the interest of people, particularly those in the suburbs, to take care of water resources on self-help basis.
It was also suggested that among the immediate solutions during the crisis, people should boil water for at least five minutes and after cooling, filter or decant the precipitate.
An expert said in case of receiving dirty water, people should add eight drops of chlorine containing bleach in four litres of water and after mixing let it sit under cover and shade for four hours. To remove excess chlorine from water, let it sit under the sunlight for a day, the expert added.
It was further stated that potable water should be free from diseases producing micro organisms and undesirable or harmful chemicals.
As per WHO guidelines, bacteriological quality of drinking water is zero unit of fecal coliforms in per 100 ml, while 10 units of coliform organism in per 100 ml.