Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

THE RAPID ASSESSMENT OF CONFORMS IN DRINKING WATER BY A NEW TECHNIQUE

P.N. Mathur, S. Loonker and A. Sharma

Abstract

The current multiple tube lactose fermentation technique (MTFT) has been modified for a rapid detection of coliforms in drinking water.The modified technique completes in 24hrs, in two stages, involving new chemically defined culture medium. In the presumptive stage, 3 sets of tubes are taken using modified broth. Incubation was carried out at 40°C for 8-I2h for bacterial growth. Positive test is indicated by evolution of gas and color change from bluish green to yellow. Based on number of positive tubes MPN (Most Probable Number) coliform per 100 mL can be determined.The conformation of coliforms can be done by second stage using modified agar medium.After I 0-12h of incubation, characteristics colonies with dark red centers 2-3 mm in diameter with metallic sheen appears which confirms presence of coliform. The paper is based on the research undertaken by using this technique, for testing the drinking water and assessment of the same to understand the potability of water.