1. 4rth Summary- Water Sampling and Testing and Dr. Javier Arce February 28, 2014
Coliphages are bacteriophages that infect coliforms (E. coli). Microbiological indicators, microorganisms
which presence determine whether or not pathogens are present, are commonly used to indicate if
water is polluted by fecal coliforms. The coliphage method compares distilled water with non-treated
water to confirm the efficiency of water treatments. To perform this method, a TSB and agar flask is
removed from the water bath at 60°C.Using aseptic technique, E. coli and the water sample are added
to the TSB and agar flask when the temperature drops slightly. Finally, 8 empty labeled petri dishes are
filled with the solution before it solidifies until the bottom of each dish is completely filled and are then
incubated at 36° C. After 24 hours of incubation, there were no microbiological indictors in the dishes,
hence there were no results. Coliphages are used to reveal water quality by detecting bacteria and
viruses in water that can cause illness. By using these bacteriophages, water of greater quality can be
discovered from a new source and can prevent diseases caused by water pollution.