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[Enterobacteria in mineral, spring and table water]
1Landesuntersuchungsamt für das Gesundheitswesen Südbayern, Oberschleissheim.
Gesundheitswesen (Bundesverband Der Arzte Des Offentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (Germany))
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Non-coliform enterobacteria are frequently found in bottled waters with hygiene issues, alongside coliform bacteria. Monitoring total Enterobacteriaceae is recommended as a quality indicator for bottled water safety.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Food Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Coliform bacteria are common indicators of water contamination.
- Enterobacteriaceae, including coliforms and non-coliforms, are frequently detected in bottled water sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and species of coliform and non-coliform enterobacteria in bottled waters from South Bavaria.
- To evaluate the suitability of total Enterobacteriaceae as a quality control criterion for bottled water.
Main Methods:
- Bacteriological analysis of 54 bottled water manufacturers in South Bavaria.
- Identification and enumeration of coliform and non-coliform enterobacteria species.
- Correlation of bacterial findings with reported hygienic problems.
Main Results:
- Non-coliform enterobacteria were the second most frequent isolates after coliforms in problematic bottled waters.
- Escherichia coli, coliforms, and non-coliform enterobacteria were found in 8, 44, and 41 of 54 manufactories, respectively.
- Enterobacter cloacae was the most common species among both coliforms and non-coliforms, followed by Citrobacter freundii and Enterobacter amnigenus.
Conclusions:
- Non-coliform enterobacteria represent a significant microbial presence in bottled waters experiencing hygienic issues.
- The total Enterobacteriaceae count is proposed as an effective quality assessment parameter for bottled mineral, spring, and table waters.