Laboratory tests conducted by external agencies on water samples from NITK Surathkal revealed bacterial contamination in two sources—a borewell and a well. The contamination was identified using the ‘Most Probable Number’ (MPN) method, which estimates bacterial presence in water, according to Prof. Pushparaj Shetty D, who oversees hostel operations at the institution.
The NITK administration collected 34 water samples in the presence of hostel residents and sent them to the College of Fisheries in Mangaluru for analysis, addressing growing concerns about water safety. The college, which houses over 6,000 students, had reported health issues among hostel residents in the second week of January. Initially, food was suspected as the source, but investigations later pointed to water contamination.
To ensure the accuracy of their findings and alleviate concerns among skeptical students, the institution enlisted an external agency to test the water. Samples from all water sources were examined, and the results confirmed bacterial contamination (MPN) in two sources: a well and a borewell. Water from other sources, including hostels, showed no contamination.
After receiving the test results, NITK promptly applied chemical treatment to the affected water sources, a process now complete. “We have also submitted detailed reports to the health department outlining the corrective actions taken,” Shetty noted, adding that the specific type of bacteria was not mentioned in the reports.
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