Microbes from human and animal excreta found above desirable limits in Yamuna

Subject : Environment

Context :As per a Delhi government report, levels of fecal coliform (microbes from human and animal excreta) is above desirable limits.

Concept :

Fecal coliform is above desirable limits in all points tested in the Yamuna in Delhi with an exception at Palla where the river enters the Capital.
The report also stated that in the absence of a minimum environmental flow (flow of water) it is very difficult to achieve even bathing quality standards of the river water.
Minimum environmental flow for the dilution of the polluted water is required to meet the desired water quality levels in the river for bathing purpose.
For bathing in a river, the desirable level of fecal coliform in the water is 500 MPN/100 ml or lesser, as per the Central Pollution Control Board.
The level was as high as 1,40,000 MPN/100 ml (280 times the desired level) at Okhla.

Note:

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, an environmental flow is the water provided within a river, wetland or coastal zone to maintain ecosystems and their benefits where there are competing water uses and where flows are regulated.