M-FC BASAL MEDIUM

Coliform bacteria are the members of the Enterobacteriaceae and are present in large numbers in faeces and sewage. The presence of coliform bacteria, which grow at 44?C, confirms serious water contamination. Membrane filter technique is the most common technique used in the detection of faecal coliforms as recommended by APHA. This medium is formulated in accordance with Ciebin et.al. The chromogenic substrate, 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-Beta-D-glucuronide in the medium is cleaved by the presence of enzyme ?- glucuronidase in E. coli thereby producing blue coloured colonies. MUG Supplement in the medium is cleaved by the enzyme ?-glucuronidase of E. coli to release 4- methylumbelliferone which produces visible blue?green fluorescence under long UV light. This medium can be used by addition of either of the two supplements or in combination for the confirmation of E. coli.

for enumeration of faecal coliform by membrane ?ltration technique with the addition of ?uorogenic and chromogenic supplement

Escherichia coli

Water

500 gm