Coliphages as an indicator of faecal pollution in water. their survival and productive infectivity in natural aquatic environments

Abstract

The capability of coliphages as indicators of faecal pollution was tested, on the basis of their survival and infectivity in two natural aquatic environments (marine and river). The results obtained indicate that coliphages show a similar inactivation rate to Salmonella in all types of water studied. On the other hand, the phage productive infection of Escherichia coli cells in water and environmental conditions depends on the physiological characteristics of the host bacteria, which generally cannot grow optimally in these conditions. In conclusion, the coliphages may be considered good indicators of faecal pollution in natural waters.