💨 Abstract

In 1896, British bacteriologist Ernest Hankin discovered that water from the Ganga River had self-purifying properties, killing cholera pathogens within hours. This was later found to be due to bacteriophages, viruses that prey exclusively on bacteria. However, the presence of these viruses is a symptom of bacterial pollution, not a sign of the river's potent power.

Courtesy: theprint.in

Summarized by Einstein Beta 🤖