Description
Description
Detection and enumeration of E. coli and total coliforms are used to indicate whether water is contaminated and to evaluate water quality.
Intended Use
Total coliforms are often used as a quality indicator, including assessment of the effectiveness of water treatment and the integrity of water delivery systems. E. coli is used to detect fecal contamination of water.
Principle
Total coliforms can be found in water samples that contain surface water or have been in contact with human or other animal waste. They are indicators of organic pollution occurring in underground water, sources for water supplies such as reservoirs, as well as aqueducts, water pipes, and other methods of moving water. Most coliforms are not hazardous to human health, so the detection of coliforms in water does not necessarily indicate that the water is unsafe. However, their presence indicates potential contamination and that other pathogens may be present. A common application is testing for total coliforms in drinking water systems, in order to determine the efficacy of water treatment and the soundness of the distribution system.
E. coli generally do not grow in the environment naturally, so the presence of this bacterium is considered evidence of fecal contamination. Although not all strains of E. coli are pathogenic, their presence indicates that the water is contaminated and that other pathogens may be present.
Product Options
Bio-Rad offers a wide range of different standard media for the detection and enumeration of E. coli and total coliforms in order to cover all types of water testing: Media Including BCP (Bromocresol Purple) Lactose Broth, BGBLB (Brilliant Green Bile Lactose Broth), Schubert Broth, Tryptose Lauryl Sulfate/Broth, MacConkey Agar, TTC Tergitol 7 Agar, and RAPID'E.coli 2 Agar as well as non-selective media, and Kovacs Reagent for Indole detection.
Related Categories
- RAPID'E.coli 2 Agar for Water Testing
- RAPID'Enterococcus Agar for Water Testing
- Standard Media for Water Testing
- Fluorogenic Media for Water Testing
- XplOrer64™ System and CheckN'Safe™ Kits for real-time monitoring of recreation waters
Ordering
Ordering
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Pkg of 25, 10 ml tubes of Bromocresol Purple Lactose Broth
Pkg of 25, 10 ml tubes of Brilliant Green Bile Lactose Broth
Pkg of 25, 9 ml tubes of indole-free Peptone Water Broth
500 g
Pkg of 20, 55 mm agar plates, containing selective supplement
Pkg of 6, 200 ml bottles of TTC Tergitol 7 Agar, base medium
Pkg of 1, 500 g of dehydrated agar base