Trisha Weekley |
SCHOOL: University of Mississippi
MAJOR: Biology MENTOR: Dr. Al Mikell EXPECTED GRADUATION DATE: May 2004 ORGANIZATIONS & HONORS:
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ABSTRACT
Characterization of Coliform Bacteria from Influent Wastewater of
the University of Mississippi Wastewater Treatment Plant
| Coliform bacteria are those bacteria used as an indicator organism in determining whether or not water has been contaminated. Escherichia coli is one example of coliform bacteria. It is one of the many bacteria that are a normal flora of the gastrointestinal tract of all warm-blooded terrestrial species. Its presence can be detected in the waste of these species. In this paper, wastewater samples were collected from the University of Mississippi Wastewater Treatment Plant in order to test for coliform bacteria found in humans. Specifically, bacteria having the characteristics of E. coli were selected for and tested. The bacteria were run through a series of tests to determine its identification. These tests included EC with MUG, gram staining, and API-20E test kit. After the identification of the samples using the API-20E test kits, there was found to be Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and unidentified bacteria. Why there was no presence of identified E. coli is still a part of ongoing research. |