Coliforms are indicators for which type of microorganisms?

Coliforms are specifically used as indicators for fecal microorganisms because they are commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and in human waste. Their presence in water or wastewater samples suggests that there may be contamination with fecal matter, which can harbor harmful pathogens. Since coliforms are relatively easy to detect using standard microbiological techniques, they serve as a useful proxy for evaluating the potential presence of more dangerous pathogens that could pose health risks to humans. This is why coliforms are considered indicators of fecal contamination and help assess the safety of water for recreation and consumption.