The aim of this study is to assess the current level of pollution and to identify the main sources of pollution by analyzing the surface and deep well waters according to microbiological parameters used as drinking purposes surrounding the Kherlen basin. The analyzing points were selected from the location where the pollution level is high. Surface and underground water samples will be analyzed to the microbiological parameters according to the water regulations in Mongolia.
According to the results of 61 groundwater points along the Kherlen River, the maximum number of total number of coliforms were 80, the minimum was 0, and the average was 10.8 CFU. But for the total number of bacteria, the maximum was 91, the minimum is 0, and the average was 41.5 CFU. Salmonella spp was detected in 2 samples or 3.2%, while E.coli was not detected in all samples. The percentage of water that not meets the water demand were 31.1%. Microbiological test results show that surface water were not suitable for drinking purpose. If it is necessary to use filtering and boiling methods is recommended.
