New tests to detect previously undetectable bacteria.www.epa.gov/waterscience/methods U.S. EPA has proposed new test methods that will lead to the detection of four types of bacteria in wastewater and sewage sludge. The proposal centers on culture-based approaches to detecting enterococci enterococci bacteria in the genus Enterococcus. and Escherichia coli Escherichia coli (ĕsh'ərĭk`ēə kō`lī), common bacterium that normally inhabits the intestinal tracts of humans and animals, but can cause infection in other parts of the body, especially the urinary tract. (E. coli E. coli: see Escherichia coli. E. coli in full Escherichia coli Species of bacterium that inhabits the stomach and intestines. E. coli can be transmitted by water, milk, food, or flies and other insects. ) in wastewater. Additional tests will identify Salmonella and fecal coliform bacteria coliform bacteria Rod-shaped bacteria usually found in the intestinal tracts of animals, including humans. Coliform bacteria do not require but can use oxygen, and they do not form spores. They produce acid and gas from the fermentation of lactose sugar. in sewage sludge. Until now, no U.S. EPA-approved tests were available to detect these bacteria in wastewater. The new tests will yield results within 24 hours, helping treatment facilities assess the effectiveness of their treatment techniques. Information about this and other water analytical methods are available at the Web address given above. |
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