Escherichia coli in marine water: Comparison of methods for the assessment of recreational bathing water samples. Issue 1 (15th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lušić, Darija Vukić; Jozić, Slaven; Cenov, Arijana; Glad, Marin; Bulić, Marko; Lušić, Dražen
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 113:Issue 1/2(2016:Dec.)
• Page Start: 438
• Page End: 443
• Publication Date: 2016-12-15
• Subjects: Coastal water quality -- Escherichia coli -- Method comparison -- ISO method -- Chromocult® Coliform Agar -- Alternative method; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.10.044
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Bathing Water Directive (2006/7/EC) specifies two reference methods for Escherichia coli detection: ISO 9308-1 and 9308-3. The revised ISO 9308-1 is recommended only for waters with a low bacterial background flora. Considering the extended time needed for analysis and, generally, the lack of experience in using ISO 9308-3 in the Mediterranean, the suitability of ISO 9308-1 for the examination of E. coli in bathing water was evaluated. The present study was aimed at a comparison of data obtained by the reference method in seawater samples (110 beaches, N = 477) with data received from six alternative methods. Results show that recently used TSA/TBA method may overestimate E. coli numbers in marine waters. The temperature modified ISO 9308-1 (44 °C) did not significantly alter the results, but outperformed the antibiotic supplemented agar at reducing non- E. coli bacteria on the plates, allowing the use of the respective method for monitoring coastal water. Highlights: 477 seawater samples were examined for E. coli presence using reference method and six alternative methods The temperature modified ISO 9308-1 (44 °C) seems to be a suitable method for marine bathing water quality assessment Previously used TSA/TBA media possibly overestimate the E. coli count Colilert-18 in marine water results inconclusive, hence need exists to expand research to diverse geographical locations In order to improve health protection, application of rapid method is required