vvEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Method 1103.1: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
in Water by Membrane Filtration Using
membrane-Thermotolerant Escherichia
co//Agar(mTEC)
July 2006
-------
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Water (4303T)
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460
EPA-821-R-06-010
-------
Acknowledgments
The following laboratories are gratefully acknowledged for their participation in the validation study for
this method in disinfected wastewater effluents which was conducted in 2004:
Volunteer Research Laboratories
• EPA Office of Research and Development, National Risk Management Research Lab: Mark C.
Meckes
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington Aqueduct: Elizabeth A. Turner, Michael L.
Chicoine, and Lisa Neal
Volunteer Verification Laboratory
Orange County Sanitation District, Environmental Sciences Laboratory: Charles McGee, Michael
von Winckelmann, Kim Patton, Linda Kirchner, James Campbell, Arturo Diaz, and Lisa McMath
Volunteer Participant Laboratories
American Interplex: John Overbey, Steve Bradford, and Jessica Young
County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, Joint Water Pollution Control Plant
(JWPCP): Kathy Walker, Michele Padilla, and Albert Soof
• East Bay Municipal Utility District: Bill Ellgas and Daniel Mills
• Environmental Associates (EA): Susan Boutros and Madelyn Glase
• Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD): Anna Rule, Paula Hogg, and Bob Maunz
• Hoosier Microbiological Laboratories (HML): Don Hendrickson, Katy Bilger, Keri Nixon, and
Lindsey Shelton
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA): Steve Rhode and Mariya Gofshteyn
San Francisco Water: Phil Caskey, Paul McGregor, and Bonnie Bompart
University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory: Nancy Hall and Cathy Lord
Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH): Sharon Kluender, Linda Peterson, and Jeremy
Olstadt
-------
Disclaimer
The Engineering and Analysis Division, of the Office of Science and Technology, has reviewed and
approved this report for publication. The Office of Science and Technology directed, managed, and
reviewed the work of CSC in preparing this report. Neither the United States Government nor any of its
employees, contractors, or their employees make any warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any
legal liability or responsibility for any third party's use of or the results of such use of any information,
apparatus, product, or process discussed in this report, or represents that its use by such party would not
infringe on privately owned rights. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute
endorsement or recommendation for use.
Questions concerning this method or its application should be addressed to:
Robin K. Oshiro
Engineering and Analysis Division (4303T)
U.S. EPA Office of Water, Office of Science and Technology
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460
oshiro.robin@epa.gov
202-566-1075
202-566-1053 (facsimile)
-------
Table of Contents
1.0 Scope and Application 1
2.0 Summary of Method 1
3.0 Definitions 2
4.0 Interferences and Contamination 2
5.0 Safety 2
6.0 Equipment and Supplies 2
7.0 Reagents and Standards 3
8.0 Sample Collection, Preservation, and Storage 10
9.0 Quality Control 10
10.0 Calibration and Standardization 14
11.0 Procedure 14
12.0 Verification Procedure 15
13.0 Data Analysis and Calculations 16
14.0 Sample Spiking Procedure 17
15.0 Method Performance 22
16.0 Pollution Prevention 26
17.0 Waste Management 26
18.0 References 27
IV
-------
List of Appendices
Appendices A and B are taken from Microbiological Methods for Monitoring the Environment: Water
and Wastes (Reference 18.5).
Appendix A: Part II (General Operations), Section A (Sample Collection, Preservation, and Storage)
Appendix B: Part II (General Operations), Sections C.3.5 (Counting Colonies) and C.3.6
(Calculation of Results)
-------
Method 1103.1 Escherichia coli (E. coli) in Water
by Membrane Filtration Using
membrane-Thermotolerant Escherichia coli Agar (mTEC)
July 2006
1.0 Scope and Application
1.1 Method 1103.1 describes a membrane filter (MF) procedure for the detection and enumeration of
Escherichia coli bacteria in ambient water. E. coli is a common inhabitant of the intestinal tract of
warm-blooded animals, and its presence in water samples is an indication of fecal pollution and
the possible presence of enteric pathogens.
1.2 The E. coli test is recommended as a measure of ambient recreational fresh water quality.
Epidemiological studies have led to the development of criteria which can be used to promulgate
recreational water standards based on established relationships between health effects and water
quality. The significance of finding E. coli in recreational fresh water samples is the direct
relationship between the density of E. coli and the risk of gastrointestinal illness associated with
swimming in the water (Reference 18.1).
1.3 For method application please refer to Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 136 (40 CFRPart 136).
1.4 Method 1103.1 and 1603 were submitted to interlaboratory validation in wastewater matrices and
study results compared. The estimated percent of total colonies that would have resulted in false
positives for disinfected, secondary, and combined disinfected/secondary wastewater were
significantly lower for Method 1603 (0.6%, 1.4%, and 1.0%, respectively) compared to Method
1103.1 (6.2%, 11.2%, and 10.3%, respectively). The estimated percent of total colonies that
would have resulted in false negatives for disinfected and combined disinfected/secondary
wastewater were also significantly lower for Method 1603 (2.5%, and 2.2%, respectively)
compared to Method 1103.1 (12.3% and 6.0%, respectively). The estimated percent of total
colonies that would have resulted in false negatives were not significantly different for secondary
wastewater samples for Methods 1603 and 1103.1 (2.6% and 2.0%, respectively).
Based on the high Method 1103.1 false positive and false negative levels when compared to
Method 1603, Method 1103.1 is not approved for the analysis of disinfected wastewater.
Laboratories wishing to test for E. coli in wastewater using a membrane filtration method are
referred to EPA Method 1603. A summary of Method 1103.1 false positive and negative results is
provided in Section 15.3.2. Detailed Method 1103.1 and 1603 study results are provided in the
validation study reports (References 18.2 and 18.3, respectively).
2.0 Summary of Method
2.1 The MF method provides a direct count of bacteria in water based on the development of colonies
on the surface of the membrane filter (Reference 18.4). A water sample is filtered through the
membrane which retains the bacteria. After filtration, the membrane is placed on a selective and
differential medium, mTEC, incubated at 35°C ± 0.5°C for 2 ± 0.5 hours to resuscitate injured or
stressed bacteria, and then incubated at 44.5°C ± 0.2°C for 22 ± 2 hours. Following incubation,
the filter is transferred to a filter pad saturated with urea substrate. After 15 minutes, yellow,
yellow-green, or yellow-brown colonies are counted with the aid of a fluorescent lamp and a
magnifying lens.
July 2006
-------
Method 1103.1
3.0 Definitions
3.1 In Method 1103.1, E. coli are those bacteria which produce colonies that remain yellow, yellow-
green, or yellow-brown on a filter pad saturated with urea substrate broth after primary culturing
on mTEC medium.
4.0 Interferences and Contamination
4.1 Water samples containing colloidal or suspended particulate material can clog the membrane
filter and prevent filtration, or cause spreading of bacterial colonies which could interfere with
enumeration and identification of target colonies.
5.0 Safety
5.1 The analyst must know and observe the normal safety procedures required in a microbiology
laboratory while preparing, using, and disposing of cultures, reagents, and materials and while
operating sterilization equipment.
5.2 Mouth-pipetting is prohibited.
5.3 This method does not address all of the safety issues associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the laboratory to establish appropriate safety and health practices prior to use of
this method. A reference file of material safety data sheets (MSDSs) should be available to all
personnel involved in Method 1103.1 analyses.
6.0 Equipment and Supplies
6.1 Glass lens with magnification of 2-5X, or stereoscopic microscope
6.2 Lamp, with a cool, white fluorescent tube
6.3 Hand tally or electronic counting device
6.4 Pipet container, stainless steel, aluminum or borosilicate glass, for glass pipets
6.5 Pipets, sterile, T.D. bacteriological or Mohr, glass or plastic, of appropriate volume
6.6 Sterile graduated cylinders, 100-1000 mL, covered with aluminum foil or kraft paper
6.7 Sterile membrane filtration units (filter base and runnel), glass, plastic, or stainless steel, wrapped
with aluminum foil or kraft paper
6.8 Ultraviolet unit for sanitization of the filter funnel between filtrations (optional)
6.9 Line vacuum, electric vacuum pump, or aspirator for use as a vacuum source (In an emergency or
in the field, a hand pump or a syringe equipped with a check valve to prevent the return flow of
air, can be used)
6.10 Flask, filter, vacuum, usually 1 L, with appropriate tubing
6.11 A filter manifold to hold a number of filter bases (optional)
6.12 Flask for safety trap placed between the filter flask and the vacuum source
6.13 Forceps, straight or curved, with smooth tips to handle filters without damage
6.14 Ethanol, methanol, or isopropanol in a small, wide-mouth container, for flame-sterilizing forceps
6.15 Burner, Bunsen, or Fisher type, or electric incinerator unit for sterilizing loops and needles
July 2006 2
-------
Method 1103.1
6.16 Thermometer, checked against a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) certified
thermometer, or one that meets the requirements of NIST Monograph SP 250-23
6.17 Petri dishes, sterile, plastic, 9 x 50 mm with tight-fitting lids; and 15 x 100 mm with loose fitting
lids
6.18 Bottles, milk dilution, borosilicate glass, screw-cap with neoprene liners, 125 mL volume
6.19 Flasks, borosilicate glass, screw-cap, 250-2000 mL volume
6.20 Membrane filters, sterile, white, grid marked, 47 mm diameter, with 0.45 (im pore size
6.21 Absorbent pads, sterile, 47 mm diameter
6.22 Platinum wire inoculation loops, at least 3 mm diameter in suitable holders; or sterile plastic
loops
6.23 Sterile disposable applicator sticks
6.24 Incubator maintained at 35°C ± 0.5°C
6.25 Waterbath maintained at 44.5°C ± 0.2°C
6.26 Waterbath maintained at 50°C for tempering agar
6.27 Test tubes, 20 x 150 mm, borosilicate glass or plastic
6.28 Test tubes, 10 x 75 mm, borosilicate glass (durham tubes)
6.29 Caps, aluminum or autoclavable plastic, for 20 mm diameter test tubes
6.30 Test tubes screw-cap, borosilicate glass, 16 x 125 mm or other appropriate size
6.31 Filter Paper
6.32 Whirl-Pak® bags
6.33 Autoclave or steam sterilizer capable of achieving 121°C [15 Ib pressure per square inch (PSI)]
for 15 minutes
7.0 Reagents and Standards
7.1 Purity of Reagents: Reagent-grade chemicals shall be used in all tests. Unless otherwise
indicated, reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Committee of Analytical Reagents of
the American Chemical Society (Reference 18.5). The agar used in preparation of the culture
media must be of microbiological grade.
7.2 Whenever possible, use commercial culture media as a means of quality control.
7.3 Purity of Water: Reagent-grade water conforming to specifications in: Standard Methods for the
Examination of Water and Wastewater (latest edition approved by EPA in 40 CFR Part 136 or
141, as applicable), Section 9020 (Reference 18.6).
July 2006
-------
Method 1103.1
7.4 Phosphate buffered saline
7.4.1 Composition:
Monosodium phosphate (NaH2PO4) 0.58 g
Disodium phosphate (N^HPC^) 2.5 g
Sodium chloride 8.5 g
Reagent-grade water 1.0 L
7.4.2 Dissolve the ingredients in 1 L of reagent-grade water, and dispense in appropriate
amounts for dilutions in screw-cap bottles or culture tubes, and/or into containers for use
as rinse water. Autoclave at 121°C (15 PSI) for 15 minutes. Final pH should be 7.4 ±
0.2.
Note: The initial and ongoing precision and recovery (IPR and OPR) performance criteria
established for Method 1103.1 were determined using spiked PBS samples (Section 9.3,
Table 1). Laboratories must use PBS when performing IPR and OPR sample analyses.
However, phosphate-buffered dilution water (Section 7.6) may be substituted for PBS as
a sample diluent and filtration rinse buffer.
7.5 Phosphate buffered dilution water (Reference 18.7)
7.5.1 Composition of stock phosphate buffer solution:
Monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4) 34.0 g
Reagent-grade water 500.0 mL
Preparation: Dissolve KH2PO4 in 500 mL reagent-grade water. Adjust the pH of the
solution to 7.2 with 1 N NaOH, and bring the volume to 1 L with reagent-grade water.
Sterilize by filtration or autoclave at 121°C (15 PSI) for 15 minutes.
7.5.2 Preparation of stock magnesium chloride solution: Add 38 g anhydrous MgCl2 or 81.1 g
MgCl2»6H2O to 1 L reagent-grade water. Sterilize by filtration or autoclave at 121°C (15
PSI) for 15 minutes.
7.5.3 After sterilization, store the stock solutions in the refrigerator until used. Handle
aseptically. If evidence of mold or other contamination appears, the affected stock
solution should be discarded and a fresh solution should be prepared.
7.5.4 Working phosphate buffered dilution water: Mix 1.25 mL of the stock phosphate buffer
and 5 mL of the MgCl2 stock per liter of reagent-grade water. Dispense in appropriate
amounts for dilutions in screw-cap bottles or culture tubes, and/or into containers for use
as rinse water. Autoclave at 121 °C (15 PSI) for 15 minutes. Final pH should be 7.0 ±
0.2.
July 2006
-------
Method 1103.1
7.6 mTEC agar
7.6.1 Composition:
Protease peptone #3 5.0 g
Yeast extract 3.0 g
Lactose 10.0 g
Sodium chloride 7.5 g
Dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4) 3.3 g
Monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4) 1.0 g
Sodium lauryl sulfate 0.2 g
Sodium desoxycholate 0.1 g
Bromcresol purple 0.08 g
Bromphenol red 0.08 g
Agar 15.0 g
Reagent-grade water 1.0 L
7.6.2 Add reagents to 1 L of reagent-grade water, mix thoroughly, and heat to dissolve.
Autoclave at 121°C (15 PSI) for 15 minutes, and cool in a 50°C waterbath. Pour the
medium into each 9x50 mm culture dish to a 4-5 mm depth (approximately 4-6 mL),
and allow to solidify. Final pH should be 7.3 ± 0.2. Store in a refrigerator.
7.7 Urea substrate medium
7.7.1 Composition:
Urea 2.0 g
Phenol red 0.01 g
Reagent-grade water 100.0 mL
7.7.2 Add reagents to 100 mL reagent-grade water and mix thoroughly to dissolve. Adjust to
pH 5.0 ± 0.2 with 1 N HC1. The substrate solution should be a straw-yellow color at this
pH (See Photo 1). The substrate solution should be stored at 6-8°C for no more than one
week.
July 2006
-------
Method 1103.1
Photo 1. Urea substrate medium. After adjusting the pH of the medium to 5 ± 0.2, the urea substrate
medium should be straw-yellow in color.
7.8 Tryptic soy agar (TSA)
7.8.1 Composition:
Pancreatic digest of casein
Enzymatic digest of soybean meal
Sodium chloride
Agar
Reagent-grade water
15.0g
5.0 g
5.0g
15.0 g
l.OL
7.8.2 Add reagents to 1 L of reagent-grade water, mix thoroughly, and heat to dissolve
completely. Autoclave at 121°C (15 PSI) for 15 minutes and cool in a 50°C waterbath.
Pour the medium into each 15 x 100 mm culture dish to a 4-5 mm depth, and allow to
solidify. Final pH should be 7.3 ± 0.2.
July 2006
-------
Method 1103.1
7.9 Lauryl Tryptose Broth (LTB)
7.9.1 Composition
Tryptose 20.0 g
Lactose 5.0 g
Dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4) 2.75 g
Monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4) 2.75 g
Sodium chloride 5.0 g
Sodium lauryl sulfate 0.1 g
7.8.2 Add reagents to 1 L of reagent-grade water, mix thoroughly, and warm to dissolve
completely. Dispense into fermentation tubes (20 x 150 mm tubes containing inverted 10
x 75 mm tubes). Autoclave at 121°C (15 PSI) for 15 minutes. Final pH should 6.8 ± 0.2.
7.10 Nutrient agar (NA)
7.10.1 Composition:
Peptone 5.0g
Beef extract 3.0g
Agar 15.0g
Reagent-grade water l.OL
7.10.2 Add reagents to 1 L of reagent-grade water, mix thoroughly, and heat to boiling to
dissolve completely. Dispense in screw-cap tubes, and autoclave at 121°C (15 PSI) for
15 minutes. Remove the tubes and slant. Final pH should be 6.8 ± 0.2.
7.11 Tryptic/trypticase soy broth (TSB)
7.11.1 Composition:
Pancreatic digest of casein 17.Og
Enzymatic/papaic digest of soybean meal 3.0 g
Sodium chloride 5.0 g
Dextrose 2.5 g
Dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4) 2.5 g
Reagent-grade water l.OL
7.11.2 Add reagents to 1 L of reagent-grade water, mix thoroughly, and heat to dissolve
completely. Dispense in screw-cap tubes, and autoclave at 121°C (15 PSI) for 15
minutes. Final pH should be 7.3 ± 0.2.
July 2006
-------
Method 1103.1
7.12 Simmons citrate agar slants
7.12.1 Composition:
Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) 0.2 g
Monoammonium phosphate (NH4H2PO4) 1.0 g
Dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4) 1.0 g
Sodium citrate (Citric acid) 2.0 g
Sodium chloride 5.0 g
Bromthymol blue 0.08 g
Agar 15.0 g
Reagent-grade water 1.0 L
7.12.2 Add reagents to 1 L of reagent-grade water, mix thoroughly, and heat to boiling to
dissolve completely. Dispense into screw-cap tubes, and autoclave at 121°C (15 PSI) for
15 minutes. After sterilization, slant until solid. Final pH should be 6.9 ± 0.2.
7.13 Tryptone water
7.13.1 Composition:
Tryptone lO.Og
Sodium chloride 5.0 g
Reagent-grade water l.OL
7.13.2 Add reagents to 1 L of reagent grade water and mix thoroughly to dissolve. Dispense in
5-mL volumes into tubes, and autoclave at 121°C (15 PSI) for 15 minutes. Final pH
should be 7.3 ± 0.2.
7.14 EC broth
7.14.1 Composition:
Tryptose or trypticase peptone 20.0 g
Lactose 5.0g
Bile salts No. 3 1.5g
Dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4) 4.0 g
Monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4) 1.5 g
Sodium chloride 5.0 g
Reagent-grade water l.OL
7.14.2 Add reagents to 1 L of reagent-grade water, mix thoroughly, and heat to dissolve
completely. Dispense into fermentation tubes (20 x 150 mm tubes containing inverted 10
x 75 mm tubes). Autoclave at 121°C (15 PSI) for 15 minutes. Final pH should be 6.9 ±
0.2.
Note: Do not use tubes if the inverted tubes (durham tubes) are not completely filled with
medium after sterilization.
7.15 Oxidase reagent
7.15.1 Composition:
N, N, N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride, 1% aqueous solution (1 g
per 100 mL sterile reagent-grade water)
Note: Prepared oxidase test slides are commercially available.
July 2006 8
-------
Method 1103.1
7.16 Kovacs indole reagent
7.16.1 Composition:
p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde 10. Og
Amy 1 or Isoamyl alcohol ISO.OmL
Concentrated (12 M) hydrochloric acid 50.0 mL
7.16.2 Dissolve P-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde in alcohol, slowly add hydrochloric acid, and
mix.
7.17 Control cultures
7.17.1 Positive control and/or spiking organism (either of the following are acceptable)
• Stock cultures of Escherichia coll (E. coli) ATCC #11775
• E. coli ATCC #11775 BioBalls (BTF Pty, Sydney, Australia)
7.17.2 Negative control organism (either of the following are acceptable)
• Stock cultures of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis} ATCC #19433
• E. faecalis ATCC # 1943 3 BioBalls (BTF Pty, Sydney, Australia)
OR
• Stock cultures of Enterobacter aerogenes (E. aerogenes} ATCC #13048
July 2006
-------
Method 1103.1
8.0 Sample Collection, Handling, and Storage
8.1 Sampling procedures are briefly described below. Detailed sampling methods can be found in
Microbiological Methods for Monitoring the Environment: Water and Wastes, Part II, Section A
(see Appendix A). Adherence to sample handling procedures and holding time limits is critical to
the production of valid data. Samples should not be analyzed if these conditions are not met.
8.1.1 Sampling Techniques
Samples are collected by hand or with a sampling device if the sampling site has difficult
access such as a dock, bridge, or bank adjacent to a surface water. Composite samples
should not be collected, since such samples do not display the range of values found in
individual samples. The sampling depth for surface water samples should be 6-12 inches
below the water surface. Sample containers should be positioned such that the mouth of
the container is pointed away from the sampler or sample point. After removal of the
container from the water, a small portion of the sample should be discarded to allow for
proper mixing before analyses.
8.1.2 Storage Temperature and Handling Conditions
Ice or refrigerate water samples at a temperature of <10°C during transit to the
laboratory. Do not freeze the samples. Use insulated containers to assure proper
maintenance of storage temperature. Take care that sample bottles are not totally
immersed in water during transit or storage.
8.1.3 Holding Time Limitations
Sample analysis should begin immediately, preferably within 2 hours of collection. The
maximum transport time to the laboratory is 6 hours, and samples should be processed
within 2 hours of receipt at the laboratory.
9.0 Quality Control
9.1 Each laboratory that uses Method 1103.1 is required to operate a formal quality assurance (QA)
program that addresses and documents instrument and equipment maintenance and performance,
reagent quality and performance, analyst training and certification, and records storage and
retrieval. General requirements and recommendations for QA and quality control (QC)
procedures for microbiological laboratories are provided in Reference 18.7.
9.2 The minimum analytical QC requirements for the analysis of samples using Method 1103.1
include routine analysis of positive and negative controls (Section 9.5), filter sterility checks
(Section 9.7), method blanks (Section 9.8), and media sterility checks (Section 9.10). Additional
analytical QC for the analysis of samples using Method 1103.1 include an initial demonstration of
laboratory capability through performance of the initial precision and recovery (IPR) analyses
(Section 9.3), ongoing demonstration of laboratory capability through performance of the
ongoing precision and recovery (OPR) analysis (Section 9.4). For the IPR and OPR analyses, it
is necessary to spike PBS samples with either laboratory-prepared spiking suspensions or
BioBalls as described in Section 14.
July 2006 10
-------
Method 1103.1
9.3 Initial precision and recovery (IPR)—The IPR analyses are used to demonstrate acceptable
method performance (recovery and precision) by each laboratory before the method is used for
monitoring field samples. EPA recommends but does not require that IPR analyses be performed
by each analyst. IPR samples should be accompanied by an acceptable method blank (Section
9.8) and appropriate media sterility checks (Section 9.10). The IPR analyses are performed as
follows:
9.3.1 Prepare four, 100-mL samples of PBS and spike each sample with E. coll ATCC #11775
according to the spiking procedure in Section 14. Spiking with laboratory-prepared
suspensions is described in Section 14.2 and spiking with BioBalls is described in
Section 14.3. Filter and process each IPR sample according to the procedures in Section
11 and calculate the number of E. coll per 100 mL according to Section 13.
9.3.2 Calculate the percent recovery (R) for each IPR sample using the appropriate equation in
Section 14.2.4.3 or 14.3.2 for samples spiked with laboratory-prepared spiking
suspensions or BioBalls, respectively.
9.3.3 Using the percent recoveries of the four analyses, calculate the mean percent recovery
and the relative standard deviation (RSD) of the recoveries. The RSD is the standard
deviation divided by the mean, multiplied by 100.
9.3.4 Compare the mean recovery and RSD with the corresponding IPR criteria in Table 1,
below. If the mean and RSD for recovery of E. coll meet acceptance criteria, system
performance is acceptable and analysis of field samples may begin. If the mean or the
RSD fall outside of the required range for recovery, system performance is unacceptable.
In this event, identify the problem by evaluating each step of the analytical process,
media, reagents, and controls, correct the problem and repeat IPR analyses.
Table 1. Initial and Ongoing Precision and Recovery (IPR and OPR) Acceptance Criteria
Performance test
Initial precision and recovery (IPR)
Mean percent recovery
Precision (as maximum relative standard deviation)
Ongoing precision and recovery (OPR) as percent recovery
Lab-prepared spike
acceptance criteria
76% -124%
41%
54o/0. 146o/0
BioBall™ spike
acceptance criteria
68% - 96%
25%
58% -106%
9.4 Ongoing precision and recovery (OPR)—To demonstrate ongoing control of the analytical
system, the laboratory should routinely process and analyze spiked PBS samples. The laboratory
should analyze one OPR sample after every 20 field and matrix spike samples or one per week
that samples are analyzed, whichever occurs more frequently. OPR samples should be
accompanied by an acceptable method blank (Section 9.8) and appropriate media sterility checks
(Section 9.10). The OPR analysis is performed as follows:
9.4.1 Spike a 100-mL PBS sample with E. coll ATCC #11775 according to the spiking
procedure in Section 14. Spiking with laboratory-prepared suspensions is described in
Section 14.2 and spiking with BioBalls is described in Section 14.3. Filter and process
11 July 2006
-------
Method 1103.1
each OPR sample according to the procedures in Section 11 and calculate the number of
E. coll per 100 mL according to Section 13.
9.4.2 Calculate the percent recovery (R) for the OPR sample using the appropriate equation in
Section 14.2.2 or 14.3.4 for samples spiked with BioBalls or laboratory-prepared spiking
suspensions, respectively.
9.4.3 Compare the OPR results (percent recovery) with the corresponding OPR recovery
criteria in Table 1, above. If the OPR result meets the acceptance criteria for recovery,
method performance is acceptable and analysis of field samples may continue. If the
OPR result falls outside of the acceptance criteria, system performance is unacceptable.
In this event, identify the problem by evaluating each step of the analytical process,
media, reagents, and controls, correct the problem and repeat the OPR analysis.
9.4.4 As part of the laboratory QA program, method recovery results for OPR and IPR samples
should be charted and updated records maintained in order to monitor ongoing method
performance. The laboratory should also develop a statement of accuracy for Method
1103.1 by calculating the average percent recovery (R) and the standard deviation of the
percent recovery (sr). Express the accuracy as a recovery interval from R - 2sr to R + 2sr.
9.5 Culture Controls
9.5.1 Negative controls—The laboratory should analyze negative controls to ensure that the
mTEC agar and urea substrate are performing properly. Negative controls should be
analyzed whenever a new batch of media or reagents is used. On an ongoing basis, the
laboratory should perform a negative control every day that samples are analyzed.
9.5.1.1 Negative controls are conducted by filtering a dilute suspension of viable E.
faecalis (e.g., ATCC #19433) and analyzing as described in Section 11.
Viability of the negative controls should be demonstrated using a
non-selective media (e.g., nutrient agar or tryptic soy agar).
9.5.1.2 If the negative control fails to exhibit the appropriate response, check and/or
replace the associated media or reagents, and/or the negative control and
reanalyze the appropriate negative control.
9.5.2 Positive controls—The laboratory should analyze positive controls to ensure that the
mTEC agar and urea substrate are performing properly. Positive controls should be
analyzed whenever a new batch of media or reagents is used. On an ongoing basis, the
laboratory should perform a positive control every day that samples are analyzed. An
OPR sample (Section 9.4) may take the place of a positive control.
9.5.2.1 Positive controls are conducted by filtering a dilute suspension of viable E.
coli (e.g., ATCC #11775) and analyzing as described in Section 11.
9.5.2.2 If the positive control fails to exhibit the appropriate response, check and/or
replace the associated media or reagents, and/or the positive control and
reanalyze the appropriate positive control.
July 2006 12
-------
Method 1103.1
9.5.3 Controls for verification media—All verification media should be tested with
appropriate positive and negative controls whenever a new batch of media and/or
reagents are used. On an ongoing basis, the laboratory should perform positive and
negative controls on the verification media with each batch of samples submitted to
verification. Examples of appropriate controls for verification media are provided in
Table 2.
Table 2. Verification Controls
Medium
Cytochrome oxidase reagent
Kovacs indole reagent
Simmons citrate agar
EC broth (44.5°C ± 0.2°C)
Positive Control
£ faecalis
E. co//
£ aerogenes
E. co//
Negative Control
£ co//
£. aerogenes
E. co//
£ aerogenes
9.6 Colony verification—The laboratory should verify 10 typical colonies (positive) and 10 atypical
colonies (negative) per month or 1 typical colony and 1 atypical colony from 10% of all positive
samples, whichever is greater. Verification procedures are provided in Section 12.
9.7 Filter sterility check—Place at least one membrane filter on a TSA plate, and incubate for 24 ± 2
hours at 35°C ± 0.5°C. Absence of growth indicates sterility of the filter. On an ongoing basis,
the laboratory should perform a filter sterility check every day that samples are analyzed.
9.8 Method blank—Filter a 50-mL volume of sterile PBS or phosphate-buffered dilution water,
place the filter on an mTEC agar plate and process according to Section 11. Absence of growth
indicates freedom of contamination from the target organism. On an ongoing basis, the
laboratory should perform a method blank every day that samples are analyzed.
9.9 Filtration blank—Filter a 50-mL volume of sterile PBS or phosphate-buffered dilution water
before beginning sample filtrations. Place the filter on a TSA plate, and incubate for 24 ± 2 hours
at 35°C ± 0.5°C. Absence of growth indicates sterility of the buffer and filtration assembly.
9.10 Media sterility check—The laboratory should test media sterility by incubating one unit (tube or
plate) from each batch of medium (TSA, mTEC, urea substrate, and verification media) as
appropriate and observing for growth. Absence of growth indicates media sterility. On an
ongoing basis, the laboratory should perform a media sterility check every day that samples are
analyzed.
9.11 Analyst colony counting variability—Laboratories with two or more analysts should compare
each analyst's colony counts from one positive field sample per month. Colony counts should be
within 10% between analysts. Laboratories with a single analyst should have that analyst
perform duplicate colony counts of a single membrane filter each month. Duplicate colony
counts should be within 5% for a single analyst. If no positive field samples are available, a OPR
sample may be substituted for these determinations.
13
July 2006
-------
Method 1103.1
10.0 Calibration and Standardization
10.1 Check temperatures in incubators twice daily with a minimum of 4 hours between each reading to
ensure operation within stated limits.
10.2 Check thermometers at least annually against a NIST certified thermometer or one that meets the
requirements of NIST monograph SP 250-23. Check mercury columns for breaks.
10.3 Refrigerators used to store media and reagents should be monitored daily to ensure proper
temperature control.
11.0 Procedure
11.1 Prepare mTEC agar and urea substrate as directed in Sections 7.6 and 7.7, respectively.
11.2 Mark the petri dish and report form with the sample identification and volume.
11.3 Place a sterile membrane filter on the filter base, grid side up, and attach the funnel to the base so
that the membrane filter is held between the funnel and the base.
11.4 Shake the sample bottle vigorously at least 25 times to distribute the bacteria uniformly, and
measure the desired volume of sample or dilution into the funnel.
11.5 Select sample volumes based on previous knowledge of E. coli concentration, to produce 20-80
E. coli colonies on the membranes. It is recommended that a minimum of three dilutions be
analyzed to ensure that a countable plate (20-80 E. coli colonies) is obtained.
11.6 Smaller sample volumes or sample dilutions can be used to minimize the interference of turbidity
or for high bacterial densities. Multiple volumes of the same sample or sample dilutions should
be filtered.
Note: When analyzing smaller sample volumes (e.g., < 20 mL), 20-30 mL of PBS or phosphate-
buffered dilution water should be added to the funnel or an aliquot of sample should be dispensed
into a dilution blank prior to filtration. This will allow even distribution of the sample on the
membrane.
11.7 Filter the sample, and rinse the sides of the funnel at least twice with 20-30 mL of sterile buffer.
Turn off the vacuum, and remove the funnel from the filter base.
11.8 Use sterile forceps to aseptically remove the membrane filter from the filter base, and roll it onto
the mTEC agar to avoid the formation of bubbles between the membrane and the agar surface.
Reseat the membrane if bubbles occur. Run the forceps around the edge of the filter outside the
area of filtration, close to the edge of the dish, to be sure that the filter is properly seated on the
agar. Close the dish, invert, and incubate 35°C ± 0.5°C for 2 ± 0.5 hours.
11.9 After a 2 ± 0.5 hour incubation at 35°C ± 0.5°C, transfer the plates to a Whirl-Pak® bag, seal the
bag, and submerge in a 44.5°C ± 0.2°C waterbath for 22 ± 2 hours.
Do not overfill the Whirl-Pak® bag because this will prevent proper sealing allowing liquid to
enter the bag and possibly contaminating the plates.
11.10 After 22 ± 2 hours, remove the plate from the waterbath. Place an absorbent pad in the lid of the
same petri dish, and saturate the pad with urea substrate medium. Aseptically transfer the
membrane from mTEC agar to the absorbent pad saturated with urea substrate medium, and allow
to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. (See Photo 2)
July 2006 14
-------
Method 1103.1
Photo 2. Escherichia coll produces yellow, yellow-green, or yellow-brown colonies on mTEC agar.
11.11 After incubation on the urea substrate at room temperature, count and record colonies on those
membrane filters containing 20-80 yellow, yellow-green, or yellow-brown colonies. Use
magnification for counting and a small fluorescent lamp to give maximum visibility of colonies.
(See Photo 3)
Photo 3. E. coll colonies remain yellow, yellow-green, or yellow-brown when the filter is placed on
the urea substrate medium, while non-target colonies turn pink or purple.
12.0 Verification Procedure
12.1 Yellow, yellow-green, or yellow-brown colonies from the urease test are considered "typical" E.
coll. Verification of typical and atypical colonies may be required in evidence gathering and is
also recommended as a means of quality control. The verification procedure follows.
12.2 Using a sterile inoculating loop or needle, transfer growth from the centers of at least 10 well-
isolated typical and 10 well-isolated atypical colonies to nutrient agar plates or slants and to
tryptic/trypticase soy broth. Incubate the agar and broth cultures for 24 ± 2 hours at 35°C ±
0.5°C.
15
July 2006
-------
Method 1103.1
12.3 After incubation, transfer growth from the nutrient agar slant and perform cytochrome oxidase
test. If the area where the bacteria were applied turns deep purple within 15 seconds, the test is
positive.
Note: Use only platinum, plastic or wooden applicators to perform the oxidase test. Do not use
iron or other reactive wire because it may cause false positive reactions.
12.4 Transfer growth from the tryptic/trypticase soy broth tube to Simmons citrate agar, tryptone
water, and an EC broth fermentation tube.
12.4.1 Incubate the Simmons citrate agar for 4 days at 35°C ± 2.0°C in an aerobic atmosphere.
A positive reaction is indicated by growth with an intense blue color on the slant. E. coll
is citrate negative, and thus for this organism on this medium there should be either no
growth or trace growth with no change in agar color (i.e., medium remains dark green).
12.4.2 Incubate the EC broth at 44.5°C ± 0.2°C in a waterbath for 24 ± 2 hours. The water level
must be above the level of the EC broth in the tube. A positive test is indicated by
turbidity and production of gas as seen in the inner durham tube.
12.4.3 Incubate the tryptone broth for 18-24 hours at 35°C ± 2.0°C with loosened caps. After
the incubation period, add 0.5 mL of Kovacs indole reagent and shake the tube gently.
Allow the tubes to stand for 5-10 minutes at room temperature. A positive test for indole
is indicated by a deep red color which develops in the alcohol layer on top of the broth.
12.5 E. coll are oxidase-negative, citrate-negative, EC growth and gas-positive, and indole-positive.
12.6 Alternately, commercially available multi-test identification systems may be used to verify
colonies. Inoculate the colonies into an identification system for Enterobacteriaceae that
includes lactose fermentation, o-nitrophenyl-p-D-galactopyranoside (ONPG), and cytochrome
oxidase test reactions.
13.0 Data Analysis and Calculations
Use the following general rules to calculate the E. coll count per 100 ml of sample:
13.1 If possible, select a membrane filter with 20-80 yellow, yellow-green, or yellow-brown colonies
on the urea substrate, and calculate the number of E. coll per 100 mL according to the following
general formula:
Number of E. coli colonies
E. coli/ 100mL = x 100
Volume of sample filtered (mL)
13.2 See general counting rules in Reference 18.7 (see Appendix B).
13.3 Report results as E. coli CPU per 100 mL of sample.
July 2006 16
-------
Method 1103.1
14.0 Sample Spiking Procedure
14.1 Method 1103.1 QC requirements (Section 9) include the preparation and analysis of spiked
reference (PBS) samples in order to monitor initial and ongoing method performance. For the
IPR (Section 9.3) and OPR (Section 9.4) tests it is necessary to spike samples with either
laboratory-prepared spiking suspensions (Section 14.2) or BioBalls (Section 14.3) as described
below.
14.2 Laboratory-Prepared Spiking Suspensions
14.2.1 Preparation
14.2.1.1 Stock Culture. Prepare a stock culture by inoculating a TSA slant (or other
non-selective media) with Escherichia coli ATCC #11775 and incubating at
35°C ± 3°C for 20 ± 4 hours. This stock culture may be stored in the dark at
room temperature for up to 30 days.
14.2.1.2 Undiluted Spiking Suspension. Prepare a 1% solution of lauryl tryptose
broth (LTB) by combining 99 mL of sterile PBS and 1 mL of sterile single-
strength LTB in a sterile screw-cap bottle or re-sealable dilution water
container. Inoculate the 1% LTB using a small amount of growth from the
stock culture. Disperse the inoculum by vigorously shaking the broth culture
and incubate at 35°C ± 3°C for 20 ± 4 hours. This culture is referred to as
the undiluted spiking suspension and should contain approximately
1.0 x 107 - 1.0 x 10s E. coli colony forming units (CPU) per mL of culture.
14.2.1.3 Mix the undiluted spiking suspension thoroughly by shaking the bottle a
minimum of 25 times and prepare a series of dilutions (4 total) in the
following manner:
14.2.1.3.1 Dilution "A"—Aseptically transfer 1.0 mL of the undiluted
spiking suspension to 99 mL of sterile PBS and mix
thoroughly by shaking the bottle a minimum of 25 times.
This is spiking suspension dilution "A" and 1 mL contains
10"2 mL of the original undiluted spiking suspension.
14.2.1.3.2 Dilution "B"—Aseptically transfer 1.0 mL of dilution "A" to
99 mL of sterile PBS and mix thoroughly by shaking the
bottle a minimum of 25 times. This is spiking suspension
dilution "B" and 1 mL contains 10"4 mL of the original
undiluted spiking suspension.
14.2.1.3.3 Dilution "C"—Aseptically transfer 11.0 mL of dilution "B"
to 99 mL of sterile PBS and mix thoroughly by shaking the
bottle a minimum of 25 times. This is spiking suspension
dilution "C" and 1 mL contains 10"5 mL of the original
undiluted spiking suspension.
17 July 2006
-------
Method 1103.1
14.2.1.3.4 Dilution "D"—Aseptically transfer 11.0 mL of dilution "C"
to 99 mL of sterile PBS and mix thoroughly by shaking the
bottle a minimum of 25 times. This is spiking suspension
dilution "D" and 1 mL contains 10~6 mL of the original
undiluted spiking suspension.
14.2.2 Sample Spiking
14.2.2.1 Add 0.3 mL of the spiking suspension dilution "D" to 100 mL of PBS and
mix thoroughly by shaking the bottle a minimum of 25 times. The volume of
undiluted spiking suspension added to each 100 mL sample is 3.0 x 10"7 mL
[(0.3 mL x 10"6 mL) per 100 mL of sample] which is referred to as Vsplkedper 100
mL sample ^n Section 14.2.4.2 below. Filter the spiked sample and analyze the
filter according to the procedures in Section 11.
14.2.3 Enumeration of Spiking Suspension
14.2.3.1 Prepare trypticase soy agar (TSA) spread plates, in triplicate, for spiking
suspension dilutions "B", "C", and "D".
Note: Agar plates must be dry prior to use. To ensure that the agar surface is
dry, plates should be made several days in advance and stored inverted at
room temperature or dried using a laminar-flow hood.
14.2.3.2 Mix dilution "B" by shaking the bottle a minimum of 25 times. Pipet 0.1 mL
of dilution "B" onto the surface of each TSA plate in triplicate.
14.2.3.3 Mix dilution "C" by shaking the bottle a minimum of 25 times. Pipet 0.1 mL
of dilution "C" onto the surface of each TSA plate in triplicate.
14.2.3.4 Mix dilution "D" by shaking the bottle a minimum of 25 times. Pipet 0.1 mL
of dilution "D" onto the surface of each TSA plate in triplicate.
14.2.3.5 Use a sterile bent glass rod or spreader to distribute the inoculum over the
surface of plates by rotating the dish by hand or on a turntable. Note: Ensure
that the inoculum is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the plate.
14.2.3.6 Allow the inoculum to absorb into the medium of each plate completely.
Invert plates and incubate at 35°C ± 0.5°C for 20 ± 4 hours.
14.2.3.7 Count and record number of colonies per plate. Refer to Section 14.2.4 for
calculation of E. coll concentration in the undiluted spiking suspension. The
number of E. coli (CPU / mL) in the undiluted spiking suspension will be
calculated using all TSA plates yielding counts within the countable range of
30 to 300 CPU per plate.
July 2006 18
-------
Method 1103.1
14.2.4 Recovery calculations for samples spiked with laboratory-prepared spiking
suspensions
14.2.4.1 Calculate the concentration of E. coli (CPU / mL) in the undiluted spiking
suspension (Section 14.2.1.2) according to the following equation. Example
calculations are provided in Table 3, below.
E. coli undilutedspike = (CFUt + CFU2 + ...+ CFUn) / (Vt + V2 + ... + Vn)
Where,
E. coli undilutedspike = E. coli (CPU / mL) in undiluted spiking suspension
CPU = Number of colony forming units from TSA plates yielding counts within the
countable range of 30 to 300 CPU per plate
V = Volume of undiluted sample on each TSA plate yielding counts within the
countable range of 30 to 300 CPU per plate
n = Number of plates with counts within the countable range (30 to 300 CPU/
plate)
Note: The example calculated numbers provided in the tables below have been rounded
at the end of each step. If your laboratory recalculates the examples using a spreadsheet
and rounds only after the final calculation, the percent recoveries may be slightly
different.
Table 3. Example Calculations of E. coli Spiking Suspension Concentration
Examples
Example 1
Example 2
CPU / plate (triplicate analyses) from
TSA plates in Section 14.2.3.7
10 5 ml. plates
TNTC, TNTC,
TNTC
269, 289, 304
10s ml_ plates
94, 106,89
24, 30, 28
10 7 ml_ plates
10, 0,4
0,2, 0
E. coli CPU / mL in undiluted
spiking suspension
(EC undiluted spike)
(94+106+89) /(10-6+10-6+10-6) =
289 / (3.0 x ID'6) = 96,333,333 =
9.6x107CFU/mL
(269+289+30) / ( 1 0~5+ 1 0~5+ 1 0'6) =
5887 (2.1 x10-5) = 28,000,000 =
2.8x107CFU/mL
*EC undi|Utedspikeis calculated using all plates yielding counts within the ideal range of 30 to 300 CPU per plate
19
July 2006
-------
Method 1103.1
14.2.4.2 Calculate true concentration (CPU / 100 mL) of spiked E. coll (T splked£ coh)
according to the following equation. Example calculations are provided in
Table 4, below.
1 spiked £
Where,
T
A spiked E. coli
E. coli
:. coli (<£•• CO'1 undiluted spike) X ( » spiked per 100 mL sample)
undiluted spike
* spiked per 100 mL sample
Number of spiked E. coli (CPU / 100 mL)
E. coli (CPU / mL) in undiluted spiking suspension
mL of undiluted spiking suspension per 100 mL sample
Table 4. Example Calculations of Spiked E. coli
E. COII undj|Uted spike
9.6x107CFU/mL
2.8x107CFU/mL
" spiked per 100 mL sample
3.0 X10-7mL per 100mL of
sample
3.0 X10-7mL per 100mL of
sample
Tspiked E. coli
(9.6 x 1 07 CPU / mL) x (3.0 x 1 0'7 mL / 1 00 mL) =
28.8 CPU /1 00 mL
(2.8 x 107 CPU / mL) x (3.0 x 10'7 mL / 100 mL) =
8.4 CPU/ 100 mL
14.2.4.3 Calculate percent recovery (R) of spiked E. coli (CPU / 100 mL) according
to the following equation. Example calculations are provided in Table 5,
below.
R = 100 x
Where,
R =
Ns =
Nu =
T =
Percent recovery
E. coli (CPU / 100 mL) in the spiked sample (Section 13)
E. coli (CPU / 100 mL) in the unspiked sample (Section 13)
True spiked E. coli (CPU / 100 mL) in spiked sample (Section 14.2.4.2)
July 2006
20
-------
Method 1103.1
Table 5. Example Percent Recovery Calculations
Ns(CFU/100mL)
42
34
16
10
Nu(CFU/100mL)
<1
10
<1
<1
T(CFU/100mL)
28.8
28.8
8.4
8.4
Percent recovery (R)
100x(42-1)/28.8
= 142%
100 x (34 -10) 728.8
= 83%
100x(16-1)/8.4
= 179%
100x(10-1)/8.4
= 107%
14.3 BioBall™ spiking procedure
14.3.1 Aseptically add 1 BioBall™ to 100 mL (or appropriate volume) of sample and mix by
vigorously shaking the sample bottle a minimum of 25 times. Analyze the spiked sample
according to the procedures in Section 11.
14.3.2 Recovery calculations for samples spiked with BioBalls—Calculate percent recovery (R)
of spiked E. coli (CPU / 100 mL) according to the following equation. Example
calculations are provided in Table 6, below.
R = 100x
(N, - Nu)
Where,
R =
Ns =
Nu =
T =
Percent recovery
E. coli (CPU / 100 mL) in the spiked sample (Section 13)
E. coli (CPU / 100 mL) in the unspiked sample (Section 13)
True spiked E. coli (CPU / 100 mL) in spiked sample based on the
lot mean value provided by manufacturer
21
July 2006
-------
Method 1103.1
Table 6. Example Percent Recovery Calculations
Ns (CPU/ 100
ml_)
24
36
Nu (CPU/ 100
ml_)
<1
10
T(CFU/100ml_)
32
32
Percent recovery (R)
100 x (24-1)732 = 72%
100 x (36 -10) 732 = 81%
15.0 Method Performance
15.1 Performance Characteristics
15.1.1 Precision - The degree of agreement of repeated measurements of the same parameter
expressed quantitatively as the standard deviation or as the 95% confidence limits of the
mean computed from the results of a series of controlled determinations. The mTEC
method precision was found to be fairly representative of what would be expected from
counts with a Poisson distribution (Reference 18.3).
15.1.2 Bias - The persistent positive or negative deviation of the average value of the method
from the assumed or accepted true value. The bias of the mTEC method has been
reported to be -2% of the true value (Reference 18.3).
15.1.3 Specificity - The ability of a method to select and or distinguish the target bacteria under
test from other bacteria in the same water sample. The specificity characteristic of a
method is usually reported as the percent of false positive and false negative results. The
false positive rate reported for mTEC medium averaged 9% for marine and fresh water
samples. Less than 1% of the E. coli colonies observed gave a false negative reaction
(Reference 18.3).
15.1.4 Upper Counting Limit (UCL) - That colony count above which there is an unacceptable
counting error. The error may be due to overcrowding or antibiosis. The UCL for
E. coli on mTEC medium has been reported as 80 colonies per filter (Reference 18.3).
15.2 Collaborative Study Data for Ambient Waters
15.2.1 A collaborative study was conducted among eleven volunteer laboratories, each with two
analysts who independently tested local fresh and marine recreational waters and sewage
treatment plant effluent samples, in duplicate. The data were reported to the
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory - Cincinnati, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, for statistical calculations.
15.2.2 The results of the study are shown in Figure 1 where S0 equals the pooled standard
deviation among replicate counts from a single analyst for three groupings (counts less
than 30, counts from 30 to 50, and counts greater than 50) and SB equals the pooled
standard deviation between means of duplicates from analysts in the same laboratory for
the same groupings. The precision estimates from this study did not show any difference
among the water types analyzed.
July 2006
22
-------
Method 1103.1
15.2.3 By linear regression, the precision of the method can be generalized as:
S0 = 0.028 count/100 mL + 6.11 (dilution factor) and
SB = 0.233 count/100 mL + 0.82 (dilution factor)
100
Where dilution factor =
Volume of Original Sample Filtered
15.2.4 Because of the instability of microbial populations in water samples, each laboratory
analyzed its own sample series and no full measure of recovery or bias was possible.
However, all laboratories analyzed a single surrogate sample prepared from a freeze-
dried culture of E. coll. The mean count (x) and the overall standard deviation of the
counts (ST) (which includes the variability among laboratories for this standardized E.
coll sample) were 31.6 colonies/membrane and 7.61 colonies/membrane, respectively.
23 July 2006
-------
Method 1103.1
_- , .. _,^^_
OJ
3
•o
1/1
O
0>
o.
July 2006
24
-------
Method 1103.1
15.3 Interlaboratory Validation Study Results for Wastewater
15.3.1 Ten volunteer participant laboratories, an E. coll verification laboratory, and two research
laboratories participated in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's)
interlaboratory validation study of EPA Method 1103.1 for the analysis of E. coll in
disinfected wastewater. The purposes of the Study were to characterize method
performance across multiple laboratories and disinfected wastewater matrices and to
develop quantitative quality control (QC) acceptance criteria. The false positive and
negative assessments are provided in Tables 7 and 8, respectively. Detailed results of the
study are provided in the validation study report (Reference 18.2).
15.3.2 Method 1103.1 is not approved for the analysis of E. coll in disinfected wastewater
because of the high false positive and false negative levels observed during the validation
study compared to Method 1603. Laboratories wishing to test for E. coll in wastewater
using a membrane filtration method are referred to EPA Method 1603.
Table 7. False Positive Assessment of Unspiked Disinfected and Unspiked Secondary
Wastewater Effluents
Matrix
Disinfected
Secondary
Disinfected + Secondary
Total colonies
Typical
272
1190
1462
Atypical
725
347
1072
False positive (FP) assessment
Typical
colonies
submitted
70
104
174
No. FP
colonies
16
15
31
FP confirmation
rate (%) a
22.9%
14.4%
17.8%
Estimated % of total
colonies that would have
been a FPb
6.2%
1 1 .2%
10.3%
a False positive confirmation rate = number of false positive colonies / number of typical colonies submitted
b Percent of total colonies estimated to be false positives = [(total typical colonies * pp confirmation rate) / (total
number of typical and atypical colonies observed)] x 100; e.g., [(1190 x(i5/i04))/(1190+347)] x 100 = 11.2%
25
July 2006
-------
Method 1103.1
Table 8. False Negative Assessment of Unspiked Disinfected and Unspiked Secondary
Wastewater Effluents
Matrix
Disinfected
Secondary
Disinfected + Secondary
Total colonies
Typical
272
1190
1462
Atypical
725
347
1072
False negative (FN) assessment
Atypical
colonies
submitted
89
45
134
No. FN
colonies
15
4
19
FN confirmation
rate (%) a
16.9%
8.9%
1 4.2%
Estimated % of total
colonies that would have
been a FN b
12.3%
2.0%
6.0%
a False negative confirmation rate = number of false negative colonies / number of atypical colonies submitted
b Percent of total colonies estimated to be false negatives = [(total atypical colonies * FN confirmation rate) / (total
number of typical and atypical colonies observed)] x 100; e.g., [(347x(4/45))/(1190+347)] x 100 = 2.0%
16.0 Pollution Prevention
16.1 The solutions and reagents used in this method pose little threat to the environment when
recycled and managed properly.
16.2 Solutions and reagents should be prepared in volumes consistent with laboratory use to minimize
the volume of expired materials to be disposed.
17.0 Waste Management
17.1 It is the laboratory's responsibility to comply with all federal, state, and local regulations
governing waste management, particularly the biohazard and hazardous waste identification rules
and land disposal restrictions, and to protect the air, water, and land by minimizing and
controlling all releases from fume hoods and bench operations. Compliance with all sewage
discharge permits and regulations is also required.
17.2 Samples, reference materials, and equipment known or suspected to have viable E. coli attached
or contained must be sterilized prior to disposal.
17.3 For further information on waste management, consult "The Waste Management Manual for
Laboratory Personnel" and "Less Is Better: Laboratory Chemical Management for Waste
Reduction," both available from the American Chemical Society's Department of Government
Relations and Science Policy, 1155 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036.
July 2006
26
-------
Method 1103.1
18.0 References
18.1 Dufour, A.P. Health Effects Criteria for Fresh Recreational Waters, EPA-600/1-84-004.
Research Triangle Park, NC: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1984.
18.2 USEPA. 2004. Results of the Interlab oratory Validation of EPA Method 1103.1 (mTEC) for E.
coli in Wastewater Effluent. EPA-821-R-04-020. December 2004.
18.3 USEPA. 2004. Results of the Interlab oratory Validation of EPA Method 1603 (modified mTEC)
forE. coli in Wastewater Effluent. EPA-821-R-04-020. December 2004.
18.4 Dufour, A.P., E.R. Strickland, V.J. Cabelli. 1981. Membrane filter method for enumerating
Escherichia coli. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 41:1152-1158.
18.5 ACS. 2000. Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications. American Chemical
Society, New York. For suggestions of the testing of reagents not listed by the American
Chemical Society, see AnalaR Standards for Laboratory Chemicals, BDH, Poole, Dorset, UK
and the United States Pharmacopeia.
18.6 APHA. 1998. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. 20th Edition.
American Public Health Association, Washington D.C.
18.7 Bordner, R., J.A. Winter, and P.V. Scarpino (eds.). Microbiological Methods for Monitoring the
Environment, Water and Wastes, EPA-600/8-78-017. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, 1978.
27 July 2006
-------
Appendix A:
Part II (General Operations), Section A (Sample Collection,
Preservation, and Storage)
-------
Sample Collection1
1.0 Sample Containers
1.1 Sample Bottles: bottles must be resistant to sterilizing conditions and the solvent action
of water. Wide-mouth borosilicate glass bottles with screw-cap or ground-glass stopper
or heat-resistant plastic bottles may be used if they can be sterilized without producing
toxic materials (see examples A and C in Figure 1). Screw-caps must not produce
bacteriostatic or nutritive compounds upon sterilization.
k; A
Figure 1. Suggested sample containers.
1.2 Selection and Cleaning of Bottles: Samples bottles should be at least 125 mL volume
for adequate sampling and for good mixing. Bottles of 250 mL, 500 mL, and 1000 mL
volume are often used for multiple analyses. Discard bottles which have chips, cracks,
and etched surfaces. Bottle closures must be water-tight. Before use, thoroughly cleanse
bottles and closures with detergent and hot water, followed by a hot water rinse to
remove all trace of detergent. Then rinse them three times with laboratory-pure water.
1.3 Dechlorinating Agent: The agent must be placed in the bottle when water and
wastewater samples containing residual chlorine are anticipated. Add sodium thiosulfate
to the bottle before sterilization at a concentration of 0.1 mL of a 10% solution for each
125 mL sample volume. This concentration will neutralize approximately 15 mg/L of
residue chlorine.
1.4 Chelating Agent: A chelating agent should be added to sample bottles used to collect
samples suspected of containing >0.01 mg/L concentrations of heavy metals such as
copper, nickel or zinc, etc. Add 0.3 mL of a 15% solution of ethylenediaminetetraacetic
acid (EDTA) tetrasodium salt, for each 125 mL sample volume prior to sterilization.
lrThe text is taken from Part II, Section A, of the EPA publication "Microbiological Methods for
Monitoring the Environment" EPA-600/8-78-017, December 1978.
1
-------
1.5 Wrapping Bottles: Protect the tops and necks of glass stoppered bottles from
contamination by covering them before sterilization with aluminum foil or kraft paper.
1.6 Sterilization of Bottles: Autoclave glass or heat-resistant plastic bottles at 121°C for 15
minutes. Alternatively, dry glassware may be sterilized in a hot oven at 170°C for not
less than two hours. Ethylene oxide gas sterilization is acceptable for plastic containers
that are not heat-resistant. Sample bottles sterilized by gas should be stored overnight
before being used to allow the last traces of gas to dissipate.
1.7 Plastic Bags: The commercially available bags (Whirl-pak) (see example B in Figure 1)
are a practical substitute for plastic or glass samples bottles in sampling soil, sediment, or
biosolids. The bags are sealed in manufacture and opened only at time of sampling. The
manufacturer states that such bags are sterilized.
2.0 Sampling Techniques
Samples are collected by hand or with a sampling device if the sampling site has difficult access
such as a bridge or bank adjacent to a surface water.
2.1 Chlorinated Samples: When samples such as treated waters, chlorinated wastewaters or
recreational waters are collected, the sample bottle must contain a dechlorinating agent (see
section 1.3 above).
2.2 Composite Sampling: In no case should a composite sample be collected for bacteriologic
examination. Data from individual samples show a range of values. A composite sample
will not display this range. Individual results will give information about industrial process
variations in flow and composition. Also, one or more portions that make up a composite
sample may contain toxic or nutritive materials and cause erroneous results.
2.3 Surface Sampling by Hand: A grab sample is obtained using a sample bottle prepared as
described in (1) above. Identify the sampling site on the bottle label and on a field log sheet.
Remove the bottle covering and closure and protect from contamination. Grasp the bottle at
the base with one hand and plunge the bottle mouth down into the water to avoid introducing
surface scum (Figure 2). Position the mouth of the bottle into the current away from the
hand of the collector and, if applicable, away from the side of the sampling platform. The
sampling depth should be 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) below the water surface. If the water body
is static, an artificial current can be created, by moving the bottle horizontally in the
direction it is pointed and away from the sampler. Tip the bottle slightly upwards to allow
air to exit and the bottle to fill. After removal of the bottle from the stream, pour out a small
portion of the sample to allow an air space of 2.5-5 cm (1-2 inches) above each sample for
proper mixing of the sample before analyses. Tightly stopper the bottle and place on ice (do
not freeze) for transport to the laboratory.
-------
Figure 2. Grab sampling technique for surface waters.
3.0 Selection of Sampling Sites and Frequency
These will be described for streams, rivers, estuarine, marine, and recreational waters as well as
domestic and industrial wastewaters.
3.1 Stream Sampling: The objectives of the initial survey dictate the location, frequency and
number of samples to be collected.
3.1.1 Selection of Sampling Sites: A typical stream sampling program includes sampling
locations upstream of the area of concern, upstream and downstream of waste
discharges, upstream and downstream from tributary entrances to the river and
upstream of the mouth of the tributary. For more complex situations, where several
waste discharges are involved, sampling includes sites upstream and downstream from
the combined discharge area and samples taken directly from each industrial or
municipal waste discharge. Using available bacteriological, chemical and discharge
rate data, the contribution of each pollution source can be determined.
3.1.2 Small Streams: Small streams should be sampled at background stations upstream of
the pollution sources and at stations downstream from pollution sources. Additional
sampling sites should be located downstream to delineate the zones of pollution.
Avoid sampling areas where stagnation may occur (e.g., backwater of a tributary) and
areas located near the inside bank of a curve in the stream which may not be
representative of the main channel.
-------
3.1.3 Large Streams and Rivers: Large streams are usually not well mixed laterally for long
distances downstream from the pollution sources. Sampling sites below point source
pollution should be established to provide desired downstream travel time and
dispersal as determined by flow rate measurements. Particular care must be taken to
establish the proper sampling points. Occasionally, depth samples are necessary to
determine vertical mixing patterns.
3.2 Estuarine and Marine Sampling: Sampling estuarine and marine waters requires the
consideration of other factors in addition to those usually recognized in fresh water
sampling. They include tidal cycles, current patterns, bottom currents and counter-currents,
stratification, seasonal fluctuations, dispersion of discharges and multi-depth samplings.
The frequency of sampling varies with the objectives. When a sampling program is started,
it may be necessary to sample every hour around the clock to establish pollution loads and
dispersion patterns. The sewage discharges may occur continuously or intermittently.
When the sampling strategy for a survey is planned, data may be available from previous
hydrological studies done by the Coast Guard, Corps of Engineers, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Geological Survey, or university and private
research investigations. In a survey, float studies and dye studies are often carried out to
determine surface and undercurrents. Initially depth samples are taken on the bottom and at
five feet increments between surface and bottom. A random grid pattern for selecting
sampling sites is established statistically.
3.2.1 Estuarine Sampling: When a survey is made on an estuary, samples are often taken
from a boat, usually making an end to end traverse of the estuary. Another method
involves taking samples throughout a tidal cycle, every hour or two hours from a
bridge or from an anchored boat at a number of fixed points.
In a large bay or estuary where many square miles of area are involved, a grid or
series of stations may be necessary. Two sets of samples are usually taken from an
area on a given day, one at ebb or flood slack water, and the other three hours earlier,
or later, at the half tidal interval. Sampling is scheduled so that the mid-sampling time
of each run coincides with the calculated occurrence of the tidal condition.
In location sampling sites, one must consider points at which tributary waters enter the
main stream or estuary, location of shellfish beds and bathing beaches. The sampling
stations can be adjusted as data accumulate. For example, if a series of stations half
mile apart consistently show similar values, some of these stations may be dropped
and other stations added in areas where data shows more variability.
Considerable stratification can occur between the salt water from the sea and the fresh
water supplied by a river. It is essential when starting a survey of an unknown estuary
to find out whether there is any marked stratification. This can be done by chloride
determinations at different locations and depths. It is possible for stratification to
occur in one part of an estuary and not in another.
-------
On a flood tide, the more dense salt water pushing up into the less dense fresh river
water will cause an overlapping with the fresh water flowing on top. A phenomenon
called a salt water wedge can form. As a result, stratification occurs. If the discharge
of pollution is in the salt water layer, the contamination will be concentrated near the
bottom at the flood tide. The flow or velocity of the fresh water will influence the
degree of stratification which occurs. If one is sampling only at the surface, it is
possible that the data will not show the polluted underflowing water which was
contaminated at the point below the fresh water river. Therefore, where stratification
is suspected, samples at different depths will be needed to measure vertical
distribution.
3.2.2 Marine Sampling: In ocean studies, the environmental conditions are most diverse
along the coast where shore, atmosphere and the surf are strong influences. The
shallow coastal waters are particularly susceptible to daily fluctuations in temperature
and seasonal changes.
Sampling during the entire tidal cycle or during a half cycle may be required. Many
ocean studies such as sampling over the continental shelf involve huge areas and no
two areas of water are the same.
Selection of sampling sites and depths are most critical in marine waters. In winter,
cooling of coastal waters can result in water layers which approach 0°C. In summer,
the shallow waters warm much faster than the deeper waters. Despite the higher
temperature, oxygen concentrations are higher in shallow than in deeper waters due to
greater water movement, surf action and photosynthetic activity from macrophytes
and the plankton.
Moving from the shallow waters to the intermediate depths, one observes a
moderation of these shallow water characteristics. In the deeper waters, there is a
marked stabilization of conditions. Water temperatures are lower and more stable.
There is limited turbulence, little penetration of light, sparse vegetation and the ocean
floor is covered with a layer of silts and sediments.
3.3 Recreational Waters (Bathing Beaches'): Sampling sites at bathing beaches or other
recreational areas should include upstream or peripheral areas and locations adjacent to
natural drains that would discharge storm water, or run-off areas draining septic wastes from
restaurants, boat marinas, or garbage collection areas. Samples of bathing beach water
should be collected at locations and times of heaviest use. Daily sampling, preferably in the
afternoon, is the optimum frequency during the season. Weekends and holidays which are
periods of highest use must be included in the sampling program. Samples of estuarine
bathing waters should be obtained at high tide, ebb tide and low tide in order to determine
the cyclic water quality and deterioration that must be monitored during the swimming
season.
-------
3.4 Domestic and Industrial Waste Discharges: It is often necessary to sample secondary and
tertiary wastes from municipal waste treatment plants and various industrial waste treatment
operations. In situations where the plant treatment efficiency varies considerably, grab
samples are collected around the clock at selected intervals for a three to five day period. If
it is known that the process displays little variation, fewer samples are needed. In no case
should a composite sample be collected for bacteriological examination. The National
Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) has established wastewater treatment
plant effluent limits for all dischargers. These are often based on maximum and mean
values. A sufficient number of samples must be collected to satisfy the permit and/or to
provide statistically sound data and give a fair representation of the bacteriological quality of
the discharge.
-------
Appendix B:
Part II (General Operations), Sections C.3.5 (Counting Colonies)
and C.3.6 (Calculation of Results)
-------
Counting Colonies1
1.0 Counting Colonies
Colonies should be counted using a fluorescent lamp with a magnifying lens. The flourescent lamp
should be nearly perpendicular to the membrane filter. Count colonies individually, even if they
are in contact with each other. The technician must learn to recognize the difference between two
or more colonies which have grown into contact with each other and single, irregularly shaped
colonies which sometimes develop on membrane filters. The latter colonies are usually associated
with a fiber or particulate material and the colonies conform to the shape and size of the fiber or
particulates. Colonies which have grown together almost invariably show a very fine line of
contact.
2.0 Calculation of Results
2.1 Select the membrane filter with the number of colonies in the acceptable range and calculate
count per 100 mL according to the general formula:
Count per 100 mL = (No. of colonies counted/Volume of sample filtered, in mL) x 100
2.2 Counts Within the Acceptable Limits
The acceptable range of colonies that are countable on a membrane is a function of the
method. Different methods may have varying acceptable count ranges. All examples in this
appemdix assume that the acceptable range of counts is between 20-80 colonies per
membrane.
For example, assume that filtration of volumes of 50, 15, 5, 1.5, and 0.5 mL produced
colony counts of 200, 110, 40, 10, and 5, respectively.
An analyst would not actually count the colonies on all filters. By inspection the analyst
would select the membrane filter with the acceptable range of target colonies, as defined by
the method, and then limit the actual counting to such membranes.
After selecting the best membrane filter for counting, the analyst counts colonies and applies
the general formula as in section 2.1 above to calculate the count/100 mL.
2.3 More Than One Acceptable Count
2.3.1 If there are acceptable counts on replicate plates, carry counts independently to final
reporting units, then calculate the arithmetic mean of these counts to obtain the final
reporting value.
lrThe text is largely taken from Part II, Section C, of the EPA publication "Microbiological
Methods for Monitoring the Environment" EPA-600/8-78-017, December 1978. Some examples were
kindly provided by Kristen Brenner, US EPA.
1
-------
Example, if the counts are 24 and 36 for replicate plates of 100 mL each, then the arithmetic
mean is calculated as follows:
(24 CFU/100 mL + 36 CFU/100 mL)
= 30 CPU/100 mL
2.3.2 If there is more than one dilution having an acceptable range of counts, independently
carry counts to final reporting units, then average for final reported value.
For example, if volumes of 100, 10, 1 and 0.1 mL produced colony counts of Too
Numerous To Count (TNTC), 75, 30, and 1, respectively, then two volumes, 10 mL and 1
mL, produced colonies in the acceptable counting range.
Independently carry each MF count to a count per 100 mL:
75
x100 =750CFU/100mL
10
and
30
x100 =3000 CPU/100 mL
Calculate the arithmetic mean as in section 2.3.1 above:
(750 CFU/100 mL + 3000 CFU/100 mL)
= 1875CFU/100mL
Report this as 1875 CFU/100 mL.
2.4 If all MF counts are below the lower acceptable count limit, select the most nearly
acceptable count.
2.4.1 For example, sample volumes of 100, 10 and 1 mL produced colony counts of 17, 1
and 0, respectively.
Here, no colony count falls within recommended limits. Calculate on the basis of the
most nearly acceptable plate count, 17, and report as 17 CFU/100 mL.
Note that in this case, because no calculations were done (i.e. this is the count for 100
mL), the count is reported as 17 CFU/100 mL rather than an "estimated count of
17 CFU/100 mL"
-------
2.4.2 As a second example, assume a count in which sample volumes of 10 and 1 mL
produced colony counts of 18 and 0, respectively.
Here, no colony count falls within recommended limits. Calculate on the basis of the
most nearly acceptable plate count, 18, and calculate as in section 2.3.2 above.
18
x-ioo =180 CPU/100mL
10
Report this as an estimated count of 180 CFU/100 mL.
2.5 If counts from all membranes are zero, calculate using count from largest filtration volume.
For example, sample volumes of 25, 10, and 2 mL produced colony counts of 0, 0, and 0,
respectively, and no actual calculation is possible, even as an estimated report. Calculate the
number of colonies per 100 mL that would have been reported if there had been one colony
on the filter representing the largest filtration volume. In this example, the largest volume
filtered was 25 mL and thus the calculation would be:
x100 =4 CPU 7100 mL
25
Report this as < (less than) 4 CFU/100 mL.
2.6 If all membrane counts are above the upper acceptable limit, calculate count using the
smallest volume filtered.
For example, assume that the volumes 1, 0.3, and 0.01 mL produced colony counts of
TNTC, 150, and 110 colonies, respectively. Since all colony counts are above the
acceptable limit, use the colony count from the smallest sample volume filtered and estimate
the count as:
110
x-ioo =1,100,000 CPU/100mL
0.01
Report this as estimated count 1.1 x 106 CFU/100 mL
2.7 If typical colonies are too numerous to count (TNTC), use upper limit count with smallest
filtration volume.
-------
For example, assume that the volumes 1, 0.3, and 0.01 mL all produced too many typical
colonies, and that the laboratory bench record indicated TNTC.
Use the upper acceptable count for the method (80 colonies in this example) as the basis of
calculation with the smallest filtration volume and estimate the count as:
80
x 100 = 800,000 CPU /100 mL
0.01
Report this as > (greater than) 8 x 105 CPU/100 mL
2.8 If colonies are both above and below the upper and lower acceptable limits (i.e., no counts
are within the acceptable limits), select the most nearly acceptable count.
2.8.1 For example, sample volumes of 100, 10 and 1 mL produced colony counts of 84, 8
and 0, respectively.
Here, no colony count falls within recommended limits. Calculate on the basis of the
most nearly acceptable plate count, 84, and report as 84 CFU/100 mL.
Note that in this case, because no calculations were done (i.e. this is the count for 100
mL), the count is reported as 84 CFU/100 mL rather than an "estimated count of
84 CFU/100 mL"
2.8.2 As a second example, assume a count in which sample volumes of 100, 10 and 1 mL
produced colony counts of 98, 18, and 0, respectively.
Here, no colony count falls within recommended limits. Calculate on the basis of the
most nearly acceptable plate count, 18, and calculate as in section 2.3.2 above.
18
x-ioo =180 CPU/100mL
10
Report this as estimated count 180 CFU/100 mL.
2.9 If there is no result because of a confluent growth, > 200 atypical colonies (TNTC), lab
accident, etc., report as No Data and specify the reason.
------- |