What characteristics define coliform bacteria?

Coliform bacteria are characterized primarily as aerobic and facultative anaerobic organisms that are gram-negative and non-spore forming. This means that they can grow in the presence or absence of oxygen, which is a crucial aspect of their physiology. Being gram-negative indicates that they have a specific type of cell wall structure that can be identified through Gram staining, differentiating them from gram-positive bacteria, which have a thicker peptidoglycan layer.

Coliforms serve as important indicators of water quality, particularly in relation to fecal contamination, because they are commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and can indicate the potential presence of pathogenic organisms when detected in water sources. Their non-spore forming nature is also significant because it means that they do not form spores for survival under harsh conditions, which affects how they are monitored in water testing.

Understanding these characteristics is essential for water operators monitoring and ensuring the safety of drinking water supplies, as it helps them to identify contamination and take necessary actions for remediation.