What is the primary method of testing water for coliform bacteria?

What is the primary method of testing water for coliform bacteria?

• A. Using ultraviolet light
• B. Using membrane filter techniques
• C. Using chemical reagents
• D. Using visual inspection

Answer: (B)

The primary method of testing water for coliform bacteria is through the use of membrane filter techniques. This method involves passing a known volume of water through a filter that retains bacteria. The filter is then placed on a selective growth medium and incubated, allowing any coliform bacteria present to grow and form colonies. After the incubation period, the colonies can be counted and analyzed, providing a quantifiable measure of coliform presence in the water sample. Membrane filter techniques are preferred because they allow for the detection and enumeration of specific types of bacteria, including coliforms, in a reliable and efficient manner. This method is especially useful in assessing water quality for drinking purposes and monitoring the safety of water supplies. Other options like ultraviolet light, chemical reagents, and visual inspection may play roles in water quality assessments but are not specific or reliable means for testing coliform bacteria.

The primary method of testing water for coliform bacteria is through the use of membrane filter techniques. This method involves passing a known volume of water through a filter that retains bacteria. The filter is then placed on a selective growth medium and incubated, allowing any coliform bacteria present to grow and form colonies. After the incubation period, the colonies can be counted and analyzed, providing a quantifiable measure of coliform presence in the water sample.

Membrane filter techniques are preferred because they allow for the detection and enumeration of specific types of bacteria, including coliforms, in a reliable and efficient manner. This method is especially useful in assessing water quality for drinking purposes and monitoring the safety of water supplies. Other options like ultraviolet light, chemical reagents, and visual inspection may play roles in water quality assessments but are not specific or reliable means for testing coliform bacteria.