Use of coliphages as indicators of water pollution

Abstract

The feasibility of using coliphages as indicators of sewage pollution was investigated. Standard coliform determinations (MPN) were also made to compare fluctuations in coliforms with fluctuations in their obligate parasites. No consistent relationship was found between coliform and coliphage levels. The results did indicate, however, that the enrichment method of phage assay could be used for the detection in water of low levels of phages active against specific host bacteria.