Assessment of Faecal Contamination in the Karachi Harbour Waters

This paper gives the estimation of the bacterial density in the Karachi Harbour region. The study was conducted recently to determine the coliform pollution level of waters in the Karachi harbour. Twenty one stations were selected, analysis was conducted for pH, temperature, salinity, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and turbidity. The bacteriological quality was monitored by using Total Coliform Count (TCC) and Total Faecal Coliform (TFC). The excessive level of faecal indicators noticed in the harbour waters showed high contamination by indiscriminate discharge of crudely treated and non-treated wastewater of domestic and industrial origin. The flora and fauna is on threat by the faecal pollution, ultimately affecting the human health and economic situation. By proper resource management the grave marine pollution can be harnessed by implementation of stringent policies. The higher dilution rate in the offshore waters of Karachi can help to dilute and disperse sewage quickly and semidiurnal tidal behaviour transports the diluted sewage water to open sea without harming the coastal community.