The River Ganges stretches along 4 miles of Indian coast,
and it’s the bathing grounds for thousands of visitors from around the world.
It’s also one of the most polluted rivers in the world, yet time after time
people are drawn to its waters to bathe and swim. Perhaps the most remarkable
part, they walk away disease free. What is it about this river that explains
its pure properties?
E. Coli
In separate tests of water samples that were 15 days old,
8-years-old and 16-years-old, E. Coli survival rates were at near zero. In
fact, the survival rate of E. Coli was greater in boiled water than it was in
the contents of the river Ganges. The river actually contains microbes that
consume bacteria that scientists call bacteriophages.
Biological Oxygen
Demand
The Ganges has an above average ability to absorb oxygen, up
to 15-25 the times the power of other rivers. Because of this, the river is
able to handle higher amounts of pollution by processing bio waste. Scientists
have tested the waters and found that as much as 60% of bio waste was removed
within an hour.
Standing Water
Jarred water from the river Ganges doesn’t seem to go bad,
no matter how long it stands. It is said that the British East Indian Company
used water from the river Ganges because it was able to stay sweet and fresh
for longer than other sources. The true
reason for the Ganges’ ability to retain oxygen and kill bacteria is hard to
pinpoint, but this amazing river has had these properties all throughout
recorded history.
Bio: Sasha Bakhru is a biomedical engineering graduate with
an emphasis on stem cell research. You can find the research of Sasha Bakhru online.
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