Automation of water bacteriological analysis: running test of an experimental prototype.

The experimental apparatus described enables continuous and automatic bacteriological water examination. It ensures the analysis and detection of Escherichia coli by incubation of the water samples and then detection of glutamic acid decarboxylase in coils according to the Technicon principles. The analysis is rapid: it is performed within 13 h with a sensitivity of better than 1 bacterium/100 ml, and 120 samples of 100 ml of water are examined in 24 h. Laboratory experiments and field testing showed that this prototype ensured a specific and sensitive analysis. They also provided information about the frequency of maintenance necessary to retain its efficiency. This device would allow, under the same conditions, the examination of liquid food products.