Hygiene, sanitation facility, and assessment of drinking water quality in the schools of Chattogram city, Bangladesh

Objective

This study is designed to evaluate the microbiological safety concern of drinking water of the 50 schools of Chattogram city, Bangladesh, and to investigate the sanitation and hygiene conditions of the schools, which are directly related to the health of thousands of students.

Methods

In this study, pour plate method used for total viable count (TVC), most probable number (MPN) method used for the total coliform count (TCC) and fecal coliform count (FCC), and four selective media used to isolate pathogenic bacteria from drinking water samples, and then identified by using morphological, cultural, and biochemical tests. To investigate the water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions a structured questionnaire was used.

Results

A total of 46% samples were found above the acceptable limit (> 500 CFU/ml) for TVC count, 52% samples had coliform, and 28% samples had fecal coliform, which exceeded the WHO guideline value. We categorized 50 studied schools into five groups and found the highest TVC (67%) and TCC (83%) in the water samples of city corporation schools. E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Klebsiella, and Yersinia were isolated and identified from drinking water samples. In most schools, drinking water reservoirs were found impure and contaminated by various bacteria. In government primary schools, a toilet is used by 143 students, whereas in private English medium schools, a toilet is used by 30 students and found clean. Hand-washing soap was supplied in only 14% of government primary schools, but 100% in private English medium schools.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that drinking water in most of the schools was found contaminated by pathogens. Poor hygiene, sanitation, and contaminated drinking water seem responsible for different kinds of diseases. Moreover, this study indicates the necessity for raising awareness about drinking water, hygiene, and sanitation facilities of schools, which should monitor at regular intervals.