NEMI Method Summary

Method Summary Information

Method Number: D4201 Media: WATER
Revision: 1996
Method Source: ASTM International
Subcategory: MICROBIOLOGICAL Analytes in this method
Official Name: Standard Test Method for Coliphages in Water
Descriptive Name Coliphages in Water
Source Info: ASTM International
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Citation: ASTM Volume 11.02
 
Brief Method
Summary:
 A measured water sample is added to a tube of melted modified nutrient agar. An E. coli C host culture is added to the tube, and the contents of the tube are mixed and poured into a petri dish. The dish is incubated at 35oC. The coliphages present in the water sample lyse the bacteria and form plaques; the total number of plaques represents the number of coliphages in the volume of water sample tested.
Scope And
Application:
 This test method covers the determination of coliphages infective for E. coli C in water. The test method is simple, inexpensive, and yields rapid water quality data. Its sensitivity is limited to 5 coliphages per 100 mL of water sample. This test method is applicable to natural fresh water samples.
Applicable
Conc Range:
 5 coliphages/100mL
Interferences: High salt concentrations, such as those found in saline or brackish water, interfere in this test method by inhibiting plaque formation. Analysis for coliphages can be performed on disinfected waters. However, the quantitative relationship between coliphages and coliform bacteria is different from that observed in natural fresh waters. This difference is due to variations in the survival rates of coliphages and coliform bacteria exposed to disinfectants. For example, coliphages may have been shown to be more resistant to chlorine disinfection than fecal or total coliforms.
QC Requirements:
Sample Handling: Collect the sample in accordance with Practices D 3370.
Max Holding Time:
 
Relative Cost: Less than $50
URL to obtain ordering information for this method:
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