Comparison of Method for Determining Escherichia coli Concentrations in Recreational Waters

Water samples were collected from three Lake Erie beaches in Ohio during May September 1997, and the recoveries of Escherichia coli were compared using four different methods: the mTEC method recommended by EPA, a modified mTEC method, MI, and the Colilert method. The three latter alternative method...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Water research (Oxford) 2000-07, Vol.34 (10), p.2770-2770
Main Authors: Francy, Donna S, Darner, Robert A
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Water samples were collected from three Lake Erie beaches in Ohio during May September 1997, and the recoveries of Escherichia coli were compared using four different methods: the mTEC method recommended by EPA, a modified mTEC method, MI, and the Colilert method. The three latter alternative methods involve the detection of the enzyme, beta -glucuronidase, which is produced by E. coli. The MI agar method results were most similar to those derived by the mTEC method. Compared to the mTEC method, the Colilert method showed the same assessment of water quality in the low- and middle-range groups. The modified mTEC method recovered statistically fewer E. coli than the mTEC method. Overall, the correct responses of the alternative methods ranged 86 93%.
ISSN:0043-1354