What is the common temperature range for incubating coliform bacteria cultures?

The correct temperature range for incubating coliform bacteria cultures is between 35-37 degrees Celsius. This range is optimal for promoting the growth of coliforms because it closely mimics the body temperature of warm-blooded animals, which many coliform species inhabit. Incubating at this temperature helps to provide an environment conducive to their metabolic activity, facilitating the detection and enumeration of coliform bacteria in water samples.

The significance of this temperature range lies in its ability to enhance the recovery of both fecal and total coliforms, which is crucial for assessing water quality. Incubation outside this range may lead to suboptimal growth or even inhibit the detection of these bacteria, potentially resulting in inaccurate analysis of water safety.

While other temperature ranges might support the growth of certain microorganisms, they do not align with the established protocols for coliform analysis. For instance, temperatures below 30 degrees Celsius may not adequately support the growth of coliform bacteria, while temperatures exceeding 37 degrees can lead to the growth of non-target organisms and affect the specificity of the test results. Thus, the 35-37 degrees Celsius range is the standardized practice in laboratories.