1st Edition

The Coliform Index and Waterborne Disease Problems of microbial drinking water assessment

By Cara Gleeson, Nick Gray Copyright 1996
    208 Pages
    by CRC Press

    206 Pages
    by CRC Press

    In the past decade there has been a rapid increase in waterborne outbreaks of disease associated with viral and protozoan agents, normally in drinking waters that were found to be microbially safe using the Coliform Index.
    For nearly a quarter of a century indicator organisms, in particular the coliform group, have been used to ensure the microbial quality of drinking water. Currently, world wide legislation to protect consumers is based on these outdated and unreliable tests and while there is considerable concern among scientists over their use, the water industry and regulators continue to place near total reliance on the Coliform Index.
    This book provides:
    * the first full account of the nature and applications of the Coliform Index
    * coverage of new and proposed water quality legislation:
    * details of emerging pathogens in water:
    * an evaluation of the role of the "coliform count" in future water quality analysis.
    It will be an essential tool for water companies at all levels, microbiologists, environmental health inspectors, environmental scientists and water engineers in industry whether working in developed countries or developing countries. Postgraduate students specialising in microbiology, civil and environmental engineering, environmental sciences and environmental health will find it a useful reference work as will undergraduates in these disciplines.

    Microbial water quality. Indicator organisms and the 'coliform concept'. Evaluation of standard methods for the enumeration of coliforms from drinking waters. Alternative techniques for the isolation and enumeration of coliforms and E. coli from drinking water. Alternative indicator systems for water quality analysis. The significance of emerging pathogens on water quality assessment. The future of the coliform index.

    Biography

    Cara Gleesonand Nick Gray