Rapid detection of Escherichia coli and enterococci in recreational water using an immunomagnetic separation/adenosine triphosphate technique.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine a rapid method for detecting Escherichia coli and enterococci in recreational water.


RESULTS
Water samples were assayed for E. coli and enterococci by traditional and immunomagnetic separation/adenosine triphosphate (IMS/ATP) methods. Three sample treatments were evaluated for the IMS/ATP method: double filtration, single filtration, and direct analysis. Pearson's correlation analysis showed strong, significant, linear relations between IMS/ATP and traditional methods for all sample treatments; strongest linear correlations were with the direct analysis (r = 0.62 and 0.77 for E. coli and enterococci, respectively). Additionally, simple linear regression was used to estimate bacteria concentrations as a function of IMS/ATP results. The correct classification of water-quality criteria was 67% for E. coli and 80% for enterococci.


CONCLUSIONS
The IMS/ATP method is a viable alternative to traditional methods for faecal-indicator bacteria.


CONCLUSIONS
The IMS/ATP method addresses critical public health needs for the rapid detection of faecal-indicator contamination and has potential for satisfying US legislative mandates requiring methods to detect bathing water contamination in 2 h or less. Moreover, IMS/ATP equipment is considerably less costly and more portable than that for molecular methods, making the method suitable for field applications.
Bushon
R N
RN
U.S. Geological Survey, Ohio Water Science Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
Brady
A M
AM
Likirdopulos
C A
CA
Cireddu
J V
JV
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000379:methods; D001493:Bathing Beaches; D016983:Enterococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D005374:Filtration; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000032:analysis / Q000382:microbiology; D018189:Immunomagnetic Separation / Q000379:methods*; D057230:Limit of Detection; D014871:Water Microbiology; D014876:Water Pollution
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate