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Microbial Indicators of Faecal Contamination in Water: A Current Perspective

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Abstract

It is well documented that faecal contamination of drinking water has caused numerous disease outbreaks. Because the risks of disease outbreaks correlate with the incidence of faecal contamination, faecal bacteria are used as indicators of faecal contamination and hence, the possible presence of disease-causing organisms. However, different microbiological faecal indicators are used in different countries and jurisdictions. Therefore, it is important to understand the potentials and limitations of these indicator organisms before realistically implementing guidelines and regulations to safeguard our water resources. This review considers the history of indicator organisms, the evolution of the analytical methodologies (biochemical and molecular) and addresses the advantages and limitations of current faecal indicator microorganisms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, P7B 5E1

    Pam Tallon, Brenda Magajna & Kam Tin Leung

  2. Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Standards Development Branch, Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada

    Cassandra Lofranco

Authors
  1. Pam Tallon
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  2. Brenda Magajna
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  3. Cassandra Lofranco
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  4. Kam Tin Leung
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Correspondence to Kam Tin Leung.

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Tallon, P., Magajna, B., Lofranco, C. et al. Microbial Indicators of Faecal Contamination in Water: A Current Perspective. Water Air Soil Pollut 166, 139–166 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-005-7905-4

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