Water Quality Equipment

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(Escherichia coli)

The slow moving water of the Blackwater River, surrounded by agriculture, can encourage the possibility of E. Coli contamination downstream.  Water quality professionals, landowners and conservationists can employ rapid result test kits to determine the presence of harmful microbial life in waterways.  There are several manufacturers of test kits each with certain characteristics to consider.  

Coliscan Water Monitoring Kit 

This test kit identifies the presence and quantity of coliforms and E. coli in water samples.  Samples collected in a sterile container are added to the trademarked Easygel medium to even distribute the sample.  Once well mixed the combined same and inoculum are added to a petri dish and allowed to rest in a warm level place for at least 90 minutes as the substance solidifies.  After 24-48 hours of incubation, the appearance of pink / purple spots indicates the presence of coliforms and dark blue / purple colonies indicate E. Coli specifically.  The combination of the two dye patterns allows testers to quantify the total coliforms and E. Coli separately.  

Available via Forestry Suppliers

(Image of Coliscan Kit) 

Roth Biosciences R-Card Rapid Test 

The Roth Biosciences R Card E. Coli and coliform test is uses the same enzyme reaction as the Coliscan. However, rather needing a petri dish to inoculate the coliform colonies, this test kit includes a resealable card with a medium that acts as an indicator.  The presence of coliforms is again represented by pink / purple colonies and E. Coli by dark blue / purple.  The more streamlined nature of this kit and a shortened inoculation time makes it slightly more convenient for field use.  
 

Available via Roth Biosciences

(Images of the Roth Biosciences R-Card Kit)

Aquagenx GEL EC Kit

Similar in basic testing actions as the previous two tests, the Aquagenx is limited to testing for specifically E. Coli rather than all coliforms.  The plant based inoculation medium exclusively reacts to the glucurondase enzyme.  Included in the kit are sample bags, an inoculation bag and a medium in powder form.  Easily packed and used, this test is ideal for field use with minimal resources.  The Aquagenx was evalutated by the World Health Organization and found to compare accurately to more robust lab based test options.  
 

Available via Aquagenx

(Image of Aquagenx GEL Kit)

Recommendations 

Based on the swampy, difficult terrain of the Blackwater River watershed, convenience and ease of storing the  inoculations exclude the Coliscan Test.  Its dependence on petri dishes would be slightly cumbersome.  The cost of the Aquagenx was difficult to determine without completing an order form.  The Roth Biosciences R-Card seems the best fit or field testing along the Blackwater River.  25 kits are included for just under $100.00, generating enough data to cover individual tributary swamps and streams accurately.  

2 thoughts on “Water Quality Equipment”

  1. Nathan

    Robert,

    The ease of use in the field of the Aquagenx GEL EC Kit for E. coli is a feature that is well suited for agricultural producers and citizen scientists who want to monitor their local waterways. In your research of the kit was there any information on how long it takes to receive results? The Low Cost Water Monitoring Kit from LaMOTTE which I have used for water quality testing has a coliform bacteria test that takes 48 hours to receive results. If the Aquagenx kit can provide results in a shorter amount of time it would be an additional benefit.

    Thanks for your review of the products.

    Reply

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