• R.S. Rathod,
• Deepak Kumar Sinha

Abstract : Microbiomes form an essential link between ecosystem functioning and human health. In many rural regions, surface water bodies such as ponds serve as important resources for agriculture and domestic use, making an understanding of their microbial composition critical for public health assessment. This study examines the microbial diversity, ecological dynamics, and potential health implications of two major freshwater ponds, Narwala and Jalgun, located in the Barwani district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Water samples were collected in triplicate from both ponds and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing targeting the V3–V4 hypervariable regions. Following DNA extraction and quality control, sequencing data were processed through established bioinformatics pipelines for taxonomic classification and diversity analysis. Alpha and beta diversity metrics were used to assess microbial richness, evenness, and community differences, while ecological modeling approaches were applied to understand microbial assembly processes. Both ponds exhibited high microbial diversity dominated by bacterial phyla commonly associated with freshwater environments, including Bacteroidota, Actinomycetota, Cyanobacteriota, Verrucomicrobiota, and Acidobacteriota. Comparative analysis revealed differences in community structure, with Narwala Pond showing a more balanced distribution of bacterial groups, particularly Bacillota, suggesting greater ecological stability. In contrast, Jalgun Pond displayed reduced abundance of some beneficial taxa. The presence of Cyanobacteriota in both ponds indicates nutrient enrichment and potential risks related to algal blooms. Several pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria associated with waterborne diseases were also detected, raising concerns regarding water use without treatment. Overall, the study highlights the influence of agricultural practices, monsoon-driven runoff, and soil–water interactions on pond microbiomes. The findings emphasize the need for regular microbial monitoring and appropriate management strategies, as neither pond water is suitable for direct human consumption without adequate treatment.

Index Terms - Alpha diversity, Beta diversity, Environmental microbiome, Public health, Bacter

"Comparative analysis of two major water bodies (Jalgun and Narawala ponds) in Barwani, Madhya Pradesh, India ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 1, page no.e383-e387, January-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2601455.pdf

"Comparative analysis of two major water bodies (Jalgun and Narawala ponds) in Barwani, Madhya Pradesh, India ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 1, page no. ppe383-e387, January-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2601455.pdf