Physicochemical and Microbiological Assessment of Drinking Water in Selected Poultry Farms in Kabul Province, Afghanistan

Abstract

Poultry is a vital sector and an important source of income for many families in Afghanistan. Water quality is a key factor affecting poultry health and productivity. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the physicochemical and microbiological quality of water sources used in poultry farms in Kabul Province. Water samples were collected from 20 poultry farms and analyzed for total coliforms (TC), faecal coliforms (FC) (Escherichia coli), pH, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, chlorine concentration, and turbidity. The results showed that TC and FC levels exceeded acceptable limits (>50 CFU/100 mL) in 65% and 10% of primary water sources, respectively. The median TC and FC values in primary water sources were 63 CFU/100 mL (range: 0–317) and 4.5 CFU/100 mL (range: 0–14), respectively. In secondary water sources, TC and FC exceeded permissible limits in 75% and 55% of samples, with median values of 266 and 84 CFU/100 mL, respectively. Significant differences in TC and E. coli levels were observed between primary and secondary water sources (p < 0.05), and among physicochemical parameters; turbidity and electrical conductivity exceeded recommended standards. A significant positive correlation was found between TC and FC (r = 0.603; p < 0.05), while both showed a significant negative correlation with chlorine levels (p < 0.05). These findings highlight substantial health risks associated with poultry farm water sources and underscore the need for improved water management practices to ensure safe, sustainable poultry production in Kabul Province