Evaluation of Coli-ID and MUG Plus media for recovering Escherichia coli and other coliform bacteria from groundwater samples
Sueiro, R.A.; Araujo, M.; Santos, C.J.; Gómez, M.J.; Garrido, M.J.
Water Science and Technology a Journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research 43(12): 213-216
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0273-1223 PMID: 11464759 Document Number: 533120
This study compared the performances of 2 chromogenic media, Coli ID medium (ID) and MUG Plus cefsulodin agar (MP), in recovering E. coli and other coliform bacteria from groundwater used for direct human consumption. Groundwater samples were collected from public springs in rural and urban areas in Spain. Samples were also analysed according to the reference method using Endo agar prepared plates. No statistically significant differences in counts of E. coli and other coliforms on ID and MP media were observed in comparison with the reference method. However, the 2 chromogenic media were more sensitive and significantly more efficient (P<0.05) than the reference method in the detection of coliform bacteria in water samples. On the other hand, the identification of 400 typical and atypical colonies isolated from ID and MP media demonstrated a higher specificity when using ID for coliforms and E. coli. It is concluded that the 2 chromogenic media can be used as alternative methods to reference media for the detection and recovery of coliform bacteria in groundwater samples.