ABSTRACT
The fecal coliforms are part of the total coliform group. They are defined as Gram-negative nonspore-forming rods that ferment lactose in 24 ± 2 hours at 44.5°C with the production of gas in a multiple-tube fermentation procedure and produce acidity with blue colonies in a membrane filter procedure. The major species of the group is Escherichia coli (E. coli), a species indicative of fecal pollution and the possible presence of enteric pathogens. The fecal coliforms are part of the total coliform group. The major species in the fecal coliform group is E. coli, a species indicative of fecal pollution and the possible presence of enteric pathogens. The single step membrane filter (MF) fecal coliform procedure may produce lower results than those obtained with the most probable number (MPN) procedure, particularly for chlorinated samples. Disinfection and toxic materials such as metals, phenols, acids, or caustics also affect recovery of fecal coliforms on the membrane filter.
