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Why are Total Coliforms and E. Coli used as indicator bacteria to monitor fecal contamination in water?

April 26, 2017bacteria coli coliforms contamination fecal indicator monitor total Used

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Why are Total Coliforms and E. Coli used as indicator bacteria to monitor fecal contamination in water?

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Bacterial indicators are enumerated in natural waters to assess the presence and level of fecal contamination and thus determine the potential for disease. Total Coliforms and E. Coli are widely used in regulatory monitoring of natural waters. E. Coli is present in extremely large numbers in the feces of all mammals, and does not multiply appreciably in the environment outside of its host. For this reason, E. Coli is recommended as the main indicator of fecal pollution (WHO, 2000). The presence of E. Coli in water indicates that fecal contamination from humans or other warm-blooded animals has occurred. Therefore, it is probable that pathogenic organisms are also present (An et al., 2002).