Fecal Coliform

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Fecal Coliform
BY Bryan Wagner and Julie Heilman
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Definition

• A group of organisms found in the intestinal
  tracts of people and animals. Their presence in
  water indicates pollution and in large numbers
  may pose a health hazard.

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The Factor

• Any amount of fecal coliform in water is a
  problem.
• Drinking water_______________1FC
• Total body contact___________200FC
• Partial body contact_________1000FC
• Threatened sewage effluent___200 FC

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Monitoring The Levels

• Pathogens are relatively scarce in water, making
  them difficult and time-consuming to monitor
  directly. Instead, fecal coliform levels are
  monitored, because of the correlation between
  fecal coliform counts and the probability of
  contracting a disease from the water.

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The Sources

• The presence of fecal coliform bacteria in
  aquatic environments indicates that the water has
  been contaminated with the fecal material of man
  or other animals.
• These bacteria can enter rivers through direct
  discharge from mammals and birds, from
  agricultural and storm runoff carrying wastes
  from birds and mammals and from human sewage
  discharge into the water.
• The fecal coliform bacteria is a group of
  organisms found in the intestinal tracts of
  people and animals.
• Fecal coliform by themselves are not pathogenic.
  Pathogenic organisms include bacteria, viruses,
  and parasites that cause diseases and illnesses.
  

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The Impact

• Some waterborne pathogenic diseases include
  typhoid fever, viral and bacterial
  gastroenteritis and hepatitis A. The presence of
  fecal contamination is an indicator that a
  potential health risk exists for individuals
  exposed to this water.

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Sources

• http//www.wavcc.org/wvc/cadre/WaterQuality/fecal.
  HTM
• http//www.rmsc.org/communitylearning/partners/wec
  /glossary/
• http//www.state.ky.us/nrepc/water/wcpfcol.htm