What is the incubator temperature for the membrane filtration procedure for total coliform?

The membrane filtration procedure for total coliform analysis requires specific incubation conditions to accurately detect and enumerate bacteria present in water samples. The correct incubation temperature of 35 ± 0.5 degrees Celsius is selected because it is optimal for the growth of coliform bacteria, including Escherichia coli and other indicator organisms commonly associated with fecal contamination.

Maintaining this temperature ensures that the bacteria can grow and metabolize effectively, leading to reliable results. If the temperature were set much higher or lower, it could either inhibit bacterial growth or allow non-target organisms to flourish, potentially skewing the results and leading to false conclusions about water quality. The consistency of temperature is also crucial for reproducibility in testing, which supports regulatory compliance and public health protection.