Method 1106.1: 'Enterococci' in Water by Membrane Filtration Using membrane-Enterococcus-Esculin Iron Agar (mE-EIA)

摘要

The method describes a membrane filter (MF) procedure for the detection and enumeration of the enterococci bacteria in water. The enterococci are commonly found in the feces of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Although some strains are ubiquitous and not related to fecal pollution, the presence of enterococci in water is an indication of fecal pollution and the possible presence of enteric pathogens. The enterococci test measures the bacteriological quality of recreational waters. Epidemiological studies have led to the development of criteria which can be used to promulgate recreational water standards based on the established relationship between health effects and water quality. The significance of finding enterococci in recreational water samples is the direct relationship between the density of enterococci in the water and swimming-associated gastroenteritis studies of marine and fresh water bathing beaches.