Rapid detection of faecal coliforms in sewage using a colorimetric assay of β- d-galactosidase

A rapid colorimetric method has been developed for the detection of faceal coliforms in sewage. The method is based on the hydrolysis of o-nitrophenyl-β- d-galactopyranoside by the bacterial enzyme β- d-galactosidase and detection of liberated o-nitrophenol. Enzyme activity correlated well with numb...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Water research (Oxford) 1995, Vol.29 (7), p.1803-1806
Main Authors: Apte, Simon C., Davies, Cheryl M., Peterson, Sharon M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
bacteria
colorimetry
Exact sciences and technology
faecal coliforms
Other wastewaters
Pollution
sewage
spectrophotometry
wastewater
wastewater treatment
Wastewaters
Water treatment and pollution
β- d-galactosidase
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Summary:A rapid colorimetric method has been developed for the detection of faceal coliforms in sewage. The method is based on the hydrolysis of o-nitrophenyl-β- d-galactopyranoside by the bacterial enzyme β- d-galactosidase and detection of liberated o-nitrophenol. Enzyme activity correlated well with numbers of faecal coliforms determined by conventional membrane filtration over a range of bacterial concentrations. A lower limit of 10 3 faecal coliforms per ml could be detected within 60 min. It is proposed that the method, which is amenable to automation, may be used as a surrogate for monitoring faecal coliform concentrations in sewage and a variety of effluents with a view to providing an early-warning indicator of sewage contamination or leakage.
ISSN:0043-1354
1879-2448
DOI:10.1016/0043-1354(95)00010-I