Evaluation of test media for routine monitoring of Escherichia coli in nonpotable waters.

Six test media, m-TEC, m-TEC with 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-glucuronide (MUG), lauryl tryptose agar (LTA) with MUG, LTA with 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-D-glucuronide (X-Glue), EC medium with MUG, and lauryl tryptose broth with MUG, were evaluated for their usefulness in enumerating Escherichia coli in nonpotable waters on a routine basis. The media were chosen for their case of interpretation of target colonies, ability to allow enumeration at low and high concentrations, and ability to inhibit nontarget microorganisms. The recoveries on the test media were compared with those on three reference media, R2A, m-FC, and m-Endo, by analysis of spiked samples of filter-sterilized waters. The test media were then further tested for their ability to differentiate nontarget but closely related microorganisms. Statistical analysis indicated that the best recoveries were obtained with lauryl tryptose agar with added MUG and X-Gluc. The media were then tested with surface waters that could be expected to have high levels of total and fecal coliforms along with Escherichia coli.