Which type of bacteria is commonly tested to indicate wastewater contamination?

The commonly tested type of bacteria to indicate wastewater contamination is fecal coliform. This group of bacteria is specifically chosen because it is found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and is excreted in feces. Their presence in water samples serves as an indicator of possible contamination by fecal material, which suggests that pathogens harmful to human health may also be present.

Testing for fecal coliforms is a standard method used in water quality assessments and helps to determine the safety of drinking water, recreational water, and water in environmental settings. The presence of fecal coliform bacteria indicates that proper sanitation may not have been maintained, leading to concerns about waterborne diseases.

While Escherichia coli, a specific type of fecal coliform, is also commonly mentioned in discussions related to wastewater contamination, the broader category of fecal coliform includes various species that can be indicators of fecal pollution. Other bacteria listed, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Lactobacillus, are less relevant to assessing wastewater contamination directly, as they do not necessarily indicate the presence of fecal material and associated pathogens.