Fecal coliform bacteria

Definition

Fecal coliform bacteria are a group of bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, indicating potential contamination of water sources with fecal matter. Their presence in water is a crucial indicator of water quality and potential health risks associated with pathogens that can cause diseases in humans.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fecal coliform bacteria are primarily used to evaluate the safety of drinking water and recreational waters, such as lakes and rivers.
2. The presence of fecal coliforms in water suggests that it may contain harmful pathogens, which could lead to gastrointestinal illnesses and other health issues.
3. Common sources of fecal coliform contamination include sewage discharge, runoff from agricultural land, and failing septic systems.
4. Standard methods for detecting fecal coliform bacteria in water include membrane filtration and multiple-tube fermentation techniques.
5. Regulatory agencies often set maximum allowable limits for fecal coliforms in drinking water to ensure public health safety.

Review Questions

• How do fecal coliform bacteria serve as indicators for water quality monitoring?
  • Fecal coliform bacteria serve as indicators for water quality monitoring because their presence in water suggests contamination with fecal matter, which may harbor harmful pathogens. By measuring the levels of these bacteria, scientists can assess the potential health risks associated with the water source. This information is essential for ensuring safe drinking water and protecting public health.
• Discuss the implications of high levels of fecal coliform bacteria in recreational waters and their impact on public health.
  • High levels of fecal coliform bacteria in recreational waters can lead to significant public health concerns, including increased risks of waterborne diseases among swimmers and others who come into contact with contaminated water. The presence of these bacteria indicates that pathogens may also be present, which can cause gastrointestinal illnesses and other infections. Consequently, monitoring these levels is crucial for managing public access to recreational areas and ensuring safety.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current methods for detecting fecal coliform bacteria in relation to emerging contaminants in water sources.
  • Current methods for detecting fecal coliform bacteria, such as membrane filtration and multiple-tube fermentation, are effective for assessing traditional contamination sources. However, with the rise of emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, these methods may need to be adapted or complemented by newer technologies. Continuous research is necessary to enhance detection capabilities and address potential risks posed by these emerging pollutants while still monitoring traditional indicators like fecal coliforms.

Related terms

E. coli: A specific type of fecal coliform bacteria that is commonly used as an indicator of fecal contamination and waterborne pathogens.

Total coliform bacteria: A broader category of bacteria that includes fecal coliforms as well as other types, used to assess the overall quality of drinking water.

Waterborne diseases: Diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms that are transmitted through contaminated water, often linked to the presence of fecal coliform bacteria.