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Rapid determination of bacteria in pools
J Lee1, R A Deininger, R M Fleece
1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, 109 S. Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Journal of Environmental Health
|July 20, 2001
Summary
A rapid adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence method accurately estimates bacterial levels in swimming pools and whirlpools within minutes. This method eliminates the need for prefiltration, ensuring timely public health decisions and preventing potential bacterial health risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Public health microbiology
Background:
- Bacterial contamination in recreational water poses health risks.
- Rapid methods are needed for timely public health interventions in swimming pools and whirlpools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a rapid adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assay for determining bacterial levels in recreational water.
- To assess the necessity of a prefiltration step for removing non-bacterial ATP.
Main Methods:
- Bacteriological analysis of swimming pool and whirlpool samples.
- Comparison of ATP bioluminescence assay results with conventional plate count methods.
- Evaluation of prefiltration versus non-prefiltration for ATP assay accuracy.
Main Results:
- ATP assay results showed a high correlation with conventional plate counts (r = .92).
- No statistically significant difference was observed between prefiltered and non-prefiltered samples (p > .05).
- The ATP assay accurately estimated bacterial levels without a prefiltration step.
Conclusions:
- The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence method provides a rapid and reliable estimation of bacterial levels in swimming pools and whirlpools.
- Prefiltration is not necessary for the ATP assay, simplifying the procedure.
- This method enables public health authorities to make informed decisions regarding water safety and disinfection.