Test kit for Coliform Bacteria in drinking water

According to World Health Organization’s guidelines, there should mot be any coliform bacteria in drinking water as it is an indicator of faecal contamination that could cause bacterial infection, thus contributing to diseases related to digestive systems for example diarrhea.

The testing of coliform bacterial in water can be done by preliminary field test kit, DOH11 Medium.The test can be performed by a nonspecialist after being trained to use DOH11 Medium to detect faecal contamination of drinking water. Then, appropriate actions should be taken for improvement prior to consumption. Using DOH11 Medium to detect Coliform bacteria in drinking water is very simple, easy and convenient. If the water is contaminated, the culture medium will change from its original red colour to brown, orange or yellow depending on the degree of contamination. Also the presence of turbidity and emergence of gas when shaken the reaction bottle gently confirms positive coliform bacteria contamination.

DOH 11 Medium is used as a reliable tool in detecting coliform bacteria in drinking water if one follows the prescribed instruction and steps as shown in the manual. The result of using DOH 11 Medium according to the finding of research study shows over 84.5% accurate compared to the standard test procedure or Multiple-Tube Fermentation technique

Various methods for management of drinking water which contaminated by bacteria

1. Boiling : Boil water at 100° C at least 5 minutes and keep it in clean and closed appropriate container.
2. Using Chemicals: Using effective chlorine gas or chlorine powder.(free residual Chlorine in the drinking water after treatment is 0.2-0.5 ppm.)

World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines for drinking water quality in the Year of 1993

Department of Health (DOH) Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality in the Year of 2000

Bottle 1 : culture medium (clear red) prior to adding water sample.

Bottle 2 : immediately after adding water sample up to mark 4 on the bottle

Bottle 3 : after keeping in room temperature (25-40 degree Celsius) for 24-48 hours.

: this Colour (clear red) indicates no coliform bacteria (-) in water sample are detected

: the water is safe for human consumption

Bottle 4 : after keeping in room temperature (25-40 degree Celsius) for 24-48 hours.

: this colour (orange-red,turbidity (+), gas) indicates positive coliform bacteria (+) in water sample

: the water is not safe for human consumption

Bottle 5 : after keeping in room temperature (25-40 degree Celsius) for 24-48 hours

: this colour (brown-red,turbidity (++), gas) indicates more positive coliform bacteria (++) in water sample

: the water is not safe for human consumption

Bottle 6 : after keeping in room temperature (25-40 degree Celsius) for 24-48 hours

: this colour (yellow, turbidity (+++), gas) indicates heavy contamination of coliform bacteria (+++) in water sample

: the water is not safe for human consumption

Contain: 20 test

Keep in Cool 28 C

Stability: 12 month