Evaluating the membrane fecal coliform test by using Escherichia coli as the indicator organism

The fecal coliform membrane filter method (MFC) currently used in water pollution analysis was evaluated by using two strains of Escherichia coli, a known fecal coliform, as the indicator organism. A large relative error in the results obtained with this method was found to be dependent upon the brand of membrane filter employed, the medium, and the temperature of incubation. MFC densities varied between 10 and 60% of the densities determined by means of total bacteria counts and total coliform counts performed at 35 C. Due to the large relative error encountered, the MFC method cannot be recommended as an analytical tool for the laboratory enumeration of E. coli. The results do show that the MFC method can be used at 35 C for enumeration of E. coli and for differential counts of E. coli and Enterobacter aerogenes.