Various Approaches for Microbiological Assessment of Water Quality

20 Oct 2023

Various Approaches for Microbiological Assessment of Water Quality

Various Approaches for Microbiological Assessment of Water Quality

Water is a critical resource for sustaining life. To ensure the safety and purity of water, it becomes imperative to employ robust methodologies for evaluating its microbial content. The assessment of harmful microorganisms in water sources hinges on microbiological testing. In this blog, we will delve into various techniques for microbiological evaluation of water quality.

 

Techniques for Water Microbial Count:

1.  Membrane Filtration Method: The widely adopted technique involves passing a known volume of water through a 0.45-micron membrane filter. Microorganisms are retained on the filter, then transferred to a solid culture medium for growth and enumeration. Our Membrane Filtration Funnel, paired with CN Gridded Membranes, provides an ideal solution for this technique.

2. Multiple-Tube Fermentation Method (MPN Method): This technique enumerates coliform bacteria by inoculating selective culture media with diluted water samples. Gas production and colour changes indicate bacterial presence. Our Durham Tubes and Culture Media are designed for accurate detection of coliform bacteria.

3. Presence/Absence (P/A) Test: A qualitative approach involving selective broth medium inoculation, followed by observation for turbidity or growth after incubation. Our enriched PA Broth enhances the detection of microorganisms.

 

To bolster these techniques, TM Media offers a suite of specialized Culture Media such as: 

 

• Asparagine Proline Broth (TM 666) for Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Baird Parker Agar Base (TM 358) for Staphylococcus aureus
• Bile Esculin Agar (TM 036) for enterococci enumeration.
• Brilliant Green Lactose Bile Broth (TM 365) for detection and confirmation of coliforms.
• Chloramphenicol Yeast Glucose Agar (TM 498) for yeast and mould enumeration.
• EMB Agar, Levine (TM 371) for E. coli and coliform differentiation.
• Hektoen Enteric Agar (TM 121) for selective isolation of Salmonella and Shigella.
• Lactose TTC Agar (TM 1251) compliant with ISO 9308-1:2000 for E. coli and coliform detection.
• Lauryl Tryptose Broth (TM 150) for detection and enumeration of coliforms.
• MacConkey Agar (W/ 0.15% Bile Salts, CV & NaCl) (TM 379) for gram-negative bacteria differentiation.
• MacConkey Broth W/ BCP & NaCl (TM 529) for coliform detection.
• M-Endo Agar, LES (TM 174) for enumeration of coliforms by Membrane Filter Technique.
• M-Endo Agar, LES (Veg.) (TMV 174) for enumeration of coliforms by Membrane Filter Technique.
• M-Endo Broth (TM 175) for estimation of coliforms by Membrane Filter Technique.
• M-Endo Broth MF (MF Endo Medium) (M-Coliform Broth) (TM 773) for enumeration of coliforms by Membrane Filter Technique.
• M-FC Agar Base (TM 178) for detection and enumeration of faecal coliforms by Membrane filter Technique at a higher temp. (44.5°C)
• M-FC Agar Base (Veg.) (TMV 178) for detection and enumeration of faecal coliforms by Membrane filter Technique at a higher temp. (44.5°C)
• M-FC Agar Base Modified (TM 179) for detection & enumeration of Klebsiella by Membrane filter Technique.
• Milk Agar (Brown and Scott, Modified) (TM 217) for casein hydrolyzing bacteria enumeration.
• Nutrient Agar (pH 6.8) (TM 1038) for microorganism isolation.
• PA Broth (TM 571) for Presence/Absence (P/A) Test.
• R2A Agar, Modified (TM 2299) for heterotrophic bacteria cultivation.
• Reinforced Clostridial Broth (TM 271) for Clostridium perfringens
• Selenite Cystine Broth (TM 294) for Salmonella isolation.
• Simmons Citrate Agar (TM 348) for microorganism differentiation.
• Soya Casein Digest Agar (Tryptone Soya Agar) (Caso Agar) (TM 345) for general microorganism cultivation.
• Tergitol-7 Agar Base (TM 440) for heterotrophic bacteria detection.
• Tryptophan Medium (TM 899) for indole-positive bacteria detection.
• XLD Agar (TM 492) for differentiation and identification of Salmonella and Shigella.

 

Conclusion:

The significance of microbiological testing in ensuring water quality and public health cannot be overstated. By embracing advanced techniques and reliable microbiology products, industries contribute to a safer, healthier future for all. At TM Media, our comprehensive range of high-quality microbiology products is tailored to meet stringent water microbiological testing standards.