Why is E-coli also used, in addition to coliforms, as indicator bacteria to monitor fecal contamination in water?
The Coliform group includes a variety of organisms of the enteric bacteria group. It includes common intestinal bacteria, but also few other less common intestinal bacteria, such as Klebsiella and Enterocbacter species. Rarely, Coliform bacteria, such as if Klebsiella and Enterocbacter of non-fecal origin, may be present in water that are safe for drinking. Hence, the presence of Coliform bacteria in water, as the only indicator, could falsely alarm. A more specific indicator is E-coli, which belongs to the Coliform group. E-coli bacteria originate from the intestinal tract of human and warm-blooded animals, and from nowhere else. Therefore, the presence of E-coli in water is considered a reliable indication of fecal pollution.
Related Questions
- Why is E-coli also used, in addition to coliforms, as indicator bacteria to monitor fecal contamination in water?
- Why are Total Coliforms and E. Coli used as indicator bacteria to monitor fecal contamination in water?
- Why are coliforms used as indicator bacteria to monitor fecal contamination in water?
