Examination Of Coliform Bacteria Using The Most Probable Number (MPN) Method In Clean Water In The Health Laboratory Of North Sumatra Province

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Introduction

Clean water is one of the most essential needs in daily life, and it must meet health requirements to ensure the well-being of the community. The characteristics of clean water include balanced mineral content, clear colors, and odorless and tasteless. However, the presence of coliform bacteria in clean water can be an indicator of contamination, which can be caused by various factors such as environmental pollution, drainage that is not well managed, or clean water sources. This study aims to determine the number of coliform bacteria contained in clean water and whether these levels meet the standards set by the Minister of Health Regulation No. 416/PER/IX/1990.

Methodology

Coliform bacterial examination is carried out through several testing stages, starting with a presumptive test that aims to identify the possibility of the presence of coliform bacteria. Furthermore, if the estimated test results show a coliform, a confirmed test is carried out to ensure the identification. The method used in this study is the Most Probable Number (MPN) table, which is a statistical approach to estimate the number of microorganisms in the sample. The MPN method is widely used in water quality testing due to its accuracy and reliability.

Results and Discussion

The test results show that the number of coliform bacteria in the clean water samples tested exceeds the established standards, reaching 210 colonies per 100 ml. This clearly shows that the water does not meet the specified requirements, where the maximum level of coliform allowed is 50 colonies per 100 ml. The presence of coliform bacteria in clean water can be an indicator of contamination, which can be caused by various factors such as environmental pollution, drainage that is not well managed, or clean water sources.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

The presence of coliform bacteria in clean water can be an indicator of contamination, which can be caused by various factors such as environmental pollution, drainage that is not well managed, or clean water sources. Coliform bacteria, especially the type of Escherichia coli, is a sign of the possibility of fecal contamination, which can lead to the spread of disease through contaminated water. The importance of testing clean water for coliform bacteria not only lies in compliance with regulations, but also to protect public health.

Implementation and Recommendations

The implementation of the Most Probable Number (MPN) method in testing coliform bacteria provides accuracy in the estimation of the number of colonies, so as to help in making decisions related to the management of clean water sources. With the results obtained from this study, the steps for repairing and handling water sources can be carried out, in order to ensure that the water consumed by the community is always in a safe and healthy condition. Through knowledge and awareness of the importance of clean water quality, it is hoped that the community can be more sensitive to the conditions of the surrounding environment and encourage better protection and management of water resources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study aims to determine the number of coliform bacteria contained in clean water and whether these levels meet the standards set by the Minister of Health Regulation No. 416/PER/IX/1990. The results show that the number of coliform bacteria in the clean water samples tested exceeds the established standards, reaching 210 colonies per 100 ml. This clearly shows that the water does not meet the specified requirements, where the maximum level of coliform allowed is 50 colonies per 100 ml. The implementation of the Most Probable Number (MPN) method in testing coliform bacteria provides accuracy in the estimation of the number of colonies, so as to help in making decisions related to the management of clean water sources.

Recommendations for Future Studies

Future studies should focus on identifying the sources of contamination and implementing measures to prevent the spread of disease through contaminated water. Additionally, the development of new methods for testing coliform bacteria should be explored to improve the accuracy and reliability of water quality testing.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the limited scope of the study. Future studies should aim to increase the sample size and expand the scope of the study to include a wider range of water sources and testing methods.

Conclusion and Recommendations

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of testing clean water for coliform bacteria to protect public health. The implementation of the Most Probable Number (MPN) method in testing coliform bacteria provides accuracy in the estimation of the number of colonies, so as to help in making decisions related to the management of clean water sources. Through knowledge and awareness of the importance of clean water quality, it is hoped that the community can be more sensitive to the conditions of the surrounding environment and encourage better protection and management of water resources.

References

  • Minister of Health Regulation No. 416/PER/IX/1990
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2011). Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality.
  • American Public Health Association (APHA). (2017). Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.

Appendix

  • Table 1: MPN table for coliform bacteria
  • Figure 1: Graph showing the number of coliform bacteria in clean water samples
  • Figure 2: Graph showing the relationship between the number of coliform bacteria and water quality.

Q: What are coliform bacteria?

A: Coliform bacteria are a type of bacteria that are commonly found in the environment and can be present in clean water. They are typically harmless, but their presence in water can indicate contamination.

Q: Why is it important to test for coliform bacteria in clean water?

A: Testing for coliform bacteria in clean water is important because their presence can indicate contamination, which can lead to the spread of disease. Coliform bacteria, especially the type of Escherichia coli, is a sign of the possibility of fecal contamination, which can lead to the spread of disease through contaminated water.

Q: What is the Most Probable Number (MPN) method?

A: The Most Probable Number (MPN) method is a statistical approach to estimate the number of microorganisms in a sample. It is widely used in water quality testing due to its accuracy and reliability.

Q: What are the standards for coliform bacteria in clean water?

A: The standards for coliform bacteria in clean water vary depending on the country and region. In Indonesia, the maximum level of coliform allowed is 50 colonies per 100 ml.

Q: What are the consequences of having high levels of coliform bacteria in clean water?

A: Having high levels of coliform bacteria in clean water can lead to the spread of disease, especially in children and people with a weak immune system. It can also indicate contamination, which can be caused by various factors such as environmental pollution, drainage that is not well managed, or clean water sources.

Q: How can I prevent the spread of disease through contaminated water?

A: To prevent the spread of disease through contaminated water, it is essential to test for coliform bacteria regularly and take measures to prevent contamination. This can include implementing proper waste management, ensuring that water sources are protected from pollution, and educating the community about the importance of clean water quality.

Q: What are some common sources of contamination in clean water?

A: Some common sources of contamination in clean water include:

  • Environmental pollution
  • Drainage that is not well managed
  • Clean water sources
  • Fecal contamination
  • Poor waste management

Q: How can I ensure that my water source is safe and healthy?

A: To ensure that your water source is safe and healthy, it is essential to test for coliform bacteria regularly and take measures to prevent contamination. This can include implementing proper waste management, ensuring that water sources are protected from pollution, and educating the community about the importance of clean water quality.

Q: What are some steps I can take to improve the quality of my water source?

A: Some steps you can take to improve the quality of your water source include:

  • Implementing proper waste management
  • Ensuring that water sources are protected from pollution
  • Educating the community about the importance of clean water quality
  • Regularly testing for coliform bacteria
  • Taking measures to prevent contamination

Q: What are some resources available to help me improve the quality of my water source?

A: Some resources available to help you improve the quality of your water source include:

  • Local health authorities
  • Water quality testing laboratories
  • Environmental protection agencies
  • Community organizations
  • Online resources and guidelines

Q: How can I get involved in water quality improvement efforts in my community?

A: To get involved in water quality improvement efforts in your community, you can:

  • Join local community organizations or advocacy groups
  • Participate in water quality testing and monitoring efforts
  • Educate your community about the importance of clean water quality
  • Advocate for policies and practices that promote clean water quality
  • Collaborate with local authorities and stakeholders to improve water quality.