An Evaluation of the Use of Escherichia Coli Serogroups as a Means of Tracing Microbial Pollution in Water

Abstract

Escherichia coli serogroups were used as a means of tracing, and total and fecal coliform counts were utilized to determine the degree, location, and variations of, microbial pollution of water. In one area a lake served as a reservoir for the constant influx of coliform bacteria from two streams. Total and fecal coliforms increased from May through July, declined in August and September, and appeared subject to human and animal activity and weather. E. coli serogroups were traced upstream from the lake either via Paradise Creek or the Fish Hatchery, and through the Hatchery holding ponds to their spring water source. In the second study treated sewage effluent entering one of two branches of Spring Creek did not appear to furnish most of the total and fecal coliform bacteria as microbial pollution from other sources occurred. The E. coli serogroups isolated at the different sampling points were traced to their probable upstream source. The results of this study indicate that tracing microbial pollution by serologically identifying the E. coli strains is feasible.