DETEKSI Fecal Coliform PADA ALIRAN SUNGAI ASAM (DAS) KOTA JAMBI MENGGUNAKAN METODE MPN (MOST PROBABLE NUMBER)

Abstract

River water is a vital resource for life, yet its quality is increasingly threatened by domestic and industrial waste pollution. This study aims to detect the presence and concentration of Fecal Coliform bacteria in the Asam River flow (Watershed) of Jambi City using the MPN (Most Probable Number) method. Water samples were taken from three different locations: upstream (Lingkar Selatan Street, Talang Gulo Village), middle (Sunan Derajat Street, Suka Karya Village), and downstream (Orang Kayo Hitam Village, Pasar Jambi District). The testing was conducted through the presumptive phase using LSB (Lauryl Sulfate Broth) media and the confirmed phase using EC Broth media, followed by MPN value calculation based on the MPN index table. The results showed that all samples were positive for Fecal Coliform with very high concentrations: upstream 2.8 x 10³ MPN/100 ml, middle 4.6 x 10³ MPN/100 ml, and downstream 4.9 x 10³ MPN/100 ml. All three values far exceed the quality standards set in Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 22 of 2021 for class I water (100 MPN/100 ml). The highest concentration was found in the downstream section, indicating accumulation of pollution from domestic activities and poor sanitation along the river flow. This study recommends improving sanitation systems, constructing wastewater treatment plants, and increasing public awareness to reduce Fecal Coliform pollution in the Asam River.