Analysis of enterococci using portable testing equipment for developing countries - Variance of Azide Nutridisk medium under variable time and temperature

S. Godfrey, J. Watkins, K. Toop, C. Francis

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Abstract

This report compares the enterococci count on samples obtained with Azide NutriDisk (AND) (sterile, dehydrated culture medium) and Slanetz & Bartley (SB) medium when exposed to a variable in incubation time and temperature. Three experiments were performed to examine the recovery of enterococci on AND and SB media using membrane filtration with respect to: (a) incubation time; (b) incubation temperature; and (c) a combination of the two. Presumptive counts were observed at 37, 41, 46 and 47 °C and at 20, 24, 28 and 48 h. These were compared to AWWA standard method 9230 C (44 °C, 44 h). Samples were confirmed using Kanamycin Aesculin Azide (KAA) agar. Friedman's ANOVA and Students t-test analysis indicated higher enumeration of enterococci when grown on AND (p=0.45) than SB (p=<0.001) at all temperatures with a survival threshold at 47 °C. Significant results for AND medium were noted at 20 h (p=0.021), 24 h (p=0.278) and 28 h (p=0.543). The study concluded that the accuracy of the AND medium at a greater time and temperature range provided flexibility in incubator technology making it an appropriate alternative to SB medium for monitoring drinking water using field testing kits in developing countries.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)127-134
Number of pages8
JournalWater Science and Technology
Volume54
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes

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