DETECTING ENTEROCOCCI IN RECREATIONAL WATER SAMPLES BY MEMBRANE FILTRATION

摘要

The microbial quality of recreational water may be adversely affected by stormwater runoff and sewer overflows. Recent flood events in Australia have highlighted the need for a rapid detection method for determining the microbial safety of recreational waters. The intestinal enterococci group typically includes the species Enterococcus faecalis, E. faecium, E. durans and E. hirae. In addition, other Enterococcus species and some species of the genus Streptococcus (S. bovis and S. equinus) may occasionally be detected by routine testing methods; however, these Streptococcus species do not survive long in water and are unlikely to be detected. Enterococci are indicators of faecal pollution, however some enterococci found in water can occasionally originate from other habitats (AS/NZS 4276.9:2007).