What is the incubation temperature for total coliform?

The incubation temperature for total coliform analysis is typically set at 35 +/- 0.5 degrees Celsius. This specific temperature is chosen because it optimizes the growth conditions for coliform bacteria, allowing for a more accurate assessment of their presence in water samples. Incubating at this temperature facilitates the proliferation of both fecal and non-fecal coliforms, providing a reliable estimate of total coliform levels.

Choosing the appropriate incubation temperature is critical in microbiological testing, as it ensures that the bacteria of interest can grow sufficiently while minimizing the growth of other microorganisms that could interfere with the results. In the case of total coliform testing, using 35 degrees Celsius strikes a good balance for detecting a broad range of coliform species under controlled conditions.