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Coliform detection from river waters: Comparison between MPN and MF techniques

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Abstract

This paper compares three different methods used to determine fecal pollution in river water. Two of the methods are based on direct estimation using standard aerobic incubation of membrane filters (S-MF) and anaerobic incubation of membrane filters (A-MF); the third is based on statistical evaluation by the most probable number method (MPN). It was seen from regression analysis of the results obtained that the MPN, S-MF and A-MF techniques are equally valid as regards the enumeration of fecal coliforms, whereas the S-MF and A-MF techniques are more sensitive than the MPN procedure for the enumeration of total coliforms.

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Massa, S., Grandi, M., Poda, G. et al. Coliform detection from river waters: Comparison between MPN and MF techniques. Water Air Soil Pollut 43, 135–145 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00175589

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00175589

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