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===Low-cost Water Microbiology Tests===
<font size="3">'''the mWater guide'''</font><br>
by John Feighery, PhD
In this guide, we discuss the most common methods used for field microbiology tests, the tests that we believe are most suitable and where to purchase supplies. We are constantly evaluating new test technologies and updating this guide. We have only included tests that we have direct experience using and that have accumulated some evidence documenting their validity for surface, ground (or drinking) water quality monitoring. If you would like to suggest new tests to be evaluated, please [mailto:
[email protected] contact us].
===Test methods===
The standard sample size for water microbiology testing is 100 milliliters (mL), although some methods use smaller volumes if the number of bacteria is expected to be high. Water samples should always be collected in sterile containers or bags using aseptic technique.
* '''Membrane filtration'''. In order to overcome the problem of small sample volumes usually associated with direct count methods, larger volumes of water samples can be filtered across a membrane that has pores that are too small for bacteria to pass through (usually 0.3 microns). The membrane is then aseptically transferred to a flat dish containing the culture medium, where the bacteria are grown.
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|<font size="2">For more information on selecting the right test and other tests, plus testing techniques and supplies, go to [https://docs.google.com/document/d/19wnvgmAy0cvAjTmMgsmmvEyaUzpCdW5RK1JwMjMNNvE/pub#id.erasnkxrqbeh The mWater Guide] at mWater!</font>
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