RAPID FIELD TEST FOR COLIFORM GROUP OF BACTERIA

摘要

The coliform groups of bacteria are classically used as indicators of homeothermic contamination of aquatic bodies. The monitoring of microbial quality of potable water has relied on MPN and MF approaches to estimate population densities of indicator organisms. Although those methods have been useful, disadvantages such as space, time and cost requirements prompted the idea of simply testing for the presence or absence of these bacteria in a small volume of water, using minimum quantity of common chemicals. One of the major advantages of this approach is that it is easier to perform and hence, more useful in aquatic bodies where fecal contamination is more frequent. The present investigation is based on the color change of water sample from purple to honey yellow within a few minutes after the addition of FJN-SJ reagent. Thus, this test maybe a good alternative for rural areas, as well as remote areas of the world, since it does not necessitate sophisticated equipments or trained technical personnel.