Fecal Coliform vs. Total Coliform

Attribute	Fecal Coliform	Total Coliform
Definition	Bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals that can indicate fecal contamination	Group of bacteria that are commonly found in the environment and can indicate general contamination
Source	Primarily from human and animal waste	Found in soil, water, and vegetation
Health Risk	Can cause gastrointestinal illnesses if ingested	Generally not harmful, but can indicate the presence of other pathogens
Regulatory Limits	Regulated by EPA for water quality standards	Also regulated by EPA for water quality standards

Introduction

Fecal coliform and total coliform are two types of bacteria that are commonly used as indicators of water quality. While they both belong to the coliform group of bacteria, they have distinct attributes that make them useful for different purposes.

Definition

Fecal coliform bacteria are a subgroup of total coliform bacteria that are found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. They are typically used as indicators of fecal contamination in water sources. Total coliform bacteria, on the other hand, are a broader group of bacteria that are found in the environment, soil, and vegetation, as well as in the intestines of animals.

Presence in Water

Fecal coliform bacteria are more specific indicators of fecal contamination in water sources compared to total coliform bacteria. This is because fecal coliform bacteria are more likely to come from human or animal waste, while total coliform bacteria can come from a variety of sources in the environment.

Regulatory Standards

Regulatory agencies often use fecal coliform levels as a measure of water quality and safety for recreational activities such as swimming. The presence of high levels of fecal coliform bacteria in water can indicate a higher risk of waterborne illnesses. Total coliform levels, on the other hand, are used as a general indicator of water quality and are not as specific to fecal contamination.

Testing Methods

There are specific testing methods that are used to differentiate between fecal coliform and total coliform bacteria. One common method is the membrane filtration technique, which involves filtering a water sample through a membrane filter and then incubating the filter on a selective medium to grow and identify the bacteria present.

Health Risks

High levels of fecal coliform bacteria in water can pose health risks to humans, as they can indicate the presence of pathogens that can cause gastrointestinal illnesses. Total coliform bacteria, while not as specific to fecal contamination, can also indicate potential health risks if present in high levels in water sources.

Environmental Impact

The presence of fecal coliform bacteria in water sources can have negative environmental impacts, such as contaminating drinking water sources and harming aquatic ecosystems. Total coliform bacteria, while not as specific to fecal contamination, can also have environmental impacts if present in high levels in water sources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fecal coliform and total coliform bacteria are both important indicators of water quality, but they have distinct attributes that make them useful for different purposes. Fecal coliform bacteria are more specific indicators of fecal contamination, while total coliform bacteria are more general indicators of water quality. Both types of bacteria play a crucial role in monitoring and maintaining the safety of water sources for human and environmental health.