Evaluation of escherichia coli as the main indicator of faecal pollution

Abstract

The paper presented supports E. coli assessment as a major indicator of faecal pollution. Its assessment brings advantages when compared with assessment of total coliforms and faecal coliforms because (a) E. coli survives in river water for shorter period than other coliforms and faecal coliforms and (b) its occurrence in a stream (in an area without any significant point sources of pollution), in particular when compared with total coliforms, is more stable. Significant differences appear especially in the summer period when the elevated temperature allows development of non-faecal bacteria.