Bacteriology

Initially, there was some ovedap on proposed analytical methods to accomplish a particular analysis. The Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods and Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) methods in some cases dupHcated ASTA methods, but the procedures differed. Most spice companies, particulady those who are members of ASTA, use ASTA recommended methods. In an attempt to ensure that equivalent specifications are reported, the Technical Group of ASTA develops specifications and in some cases recommends that a BAM or AO AC method be used. 

Bacteriological sampling is performed by manual techniques because of stringent sterilization requirements. Samples are taken in wide-mouthed, sterile, glass-stoppered bottles that are wrapped in paper prior to sterilization in an autoclave at 138 kPa (20 psi) or in an oven at 170°C. The botde is unwrapped and the lower portion is held in the hand. The sample is taken with the botde mouth in the direction of the flow. The stopper must be protected from contamination, the botde only partially filled, and the sample stored at 4°C after sampling. For bacteriological samples withdrawn from a tap, the water should mn for five minutes and then be shut off the tap should then be sterilized by flaming before a sample is taken. 

H. W. Van GiUs, bacteriology ofA.ctivatedSludge, report no. 32-lG-TNO, Research Institute for PubHc Health Engineering, the Hague, The Netherlands, 1964. 

A bacteriological examination of water is primarily carried out to determine the possible presence of harmful microorganisms. Testing is actually done to detect relatively harmless bacteria called colon bacilli commonly called the coliform group, which are present in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. If these organisms are present in a water in sufficient number, then this is taken to be evidence that other harmful pathogenic bacteria may also be present. 

Both multiple-tube and membrane-filter methods are also available for testing for the fecal streptococcal group (20). These assays can be used to provide supplementary data regarding the bacteriological quaUty of water. Other fecal indicators should also be used concurrendy because of the survival characteristics of the fecal streptococci. 

The goal of filtration in the modem municipal treatment plant is a maximum of 0.1 ntu (nephelometric turbidity unit), which ensures a sparkling, clear water (8). Freedom from disease organisms is associated with freedom from turbidity, and complete freedom from taste and odor requites no less than such clarity. The National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NIPDWR) requite that the maximum contaminant level for turbidity at the point of entry into the distribution system be 1.0 ntu unless it can be shown that levels up to 5 ntu do not interfere with disinfection, interfere with the maintenance of a chlorine residual in the distribution system, nor interfere with bacteriological analyses. 

The developed amperometric enzyme immunosensor was probed to determine the Klebsiella pneumoniae antigen in the human sera samples. The obtained results were juxtaposed with the data of the bacteriological analysis. 

Pads of a mixture of paper pulp and asbestos fiber are used in bacteriological filtrations. In sheet form it is employed in the laboratory for all kinds of filtration. Filter papers are made in many grades of porosity for use in porcelain and glass funnels. Industrially, paper in the form of sheets is used directly or as a precoat in filter presses. 

Slow-sandfilters (d=0.15-0.35mm) require a much larger area but reduce bacteriological and viral levels to a greater degree. The top 1 inch must be periodically scraped off and the filter occasionally back-washed. 

Bacteria are named according to a binomial system. The first word is the genus and the second is the species name. The most frequently referred to bacterium in the sanitary field is Escherichia coli. E. coli is a common coliform that can be used as an indicator of water s bacteriological quality. Under a microscope and magnified 1,000 times, cells appear as individual short rods. 

Water sample collection techniques differ depending on the source being tested. The minimum number of water samples collected from a distribution system which are examined each month for coliforms is a function of the population. For example, the minimum number required for populations of 1,000 and 100,000 are 2 and 100, respectively. To ascertain compliance with the bacteriological requirements of drinking water standards, a certain number of positive tests must not be exceeded. When 10-ml standard portions are examined, not more than 10 percent in any month should be positive (that is, the upper limit of coliform density is an average of one per 100 ml). 

To close this section on treatment, two more methods that depend on bacteriological action are considered ... 

Water quality must be studied as well as quantity. Chemical and bacteriological examination will indicate the extent of treatment required and will aid in the development of water cost estimates for comparison with other locations. The possible contamination of the water source by other industries in the area should be anticipated. Note that "contamination" may consist of raising the temperature of the water to a level that renders its use as a cooling medium impossible. 

Rather early in the evolution of bacteriology it was noted that these single-celled organisms readily stain with organic dye molecules. An elaborate classification scheme can in fact be de-... 

Water analysis for drinking-water supplies is concerned mainly with pollution and bacteriological tests. For industrial supplies a mineral analysis is of more interest. Table 2.11 includes a typical selection and gives some indication of the wide range that can be found. 

Soil samples from the levels in which structure or pipes are to be laid are filled to the top of screw capped bottles, and bacteriological tests ire made within 24 hours. 

Maximum suppressors. Gelatin is widely used as a maximum suppressor in spite of the fact that its aqueous solution deteriorates fairly rapidly, and must therefore be prepared afresh every few days as needed. Usually a 0.2 per cent stock solution is prepared as follows. Allow 0.2 g of pure powdered gelatin (the grade sold for bacteriological work is very satisfactory) to stand in 100 mL of boiled-out distilled water for about 30 minutes with occasional swirling warm the flask containing the mixture to about 70 °C on a water bath for about 15 minutes or until all the solid has dissolved. The solution must not be boiled or heated with a free flame. Stopper the flask firmly. This solution does not usually keep for more than about 48 hours. Its stability may be increased to a few days by adding a few drops of sulphur-free toluene or a small crystal of thymol, but the addition is rarely worth while and is not recommended. 

Because the quality and health aspects of foods cannot be measured by a single index, it necessarily follows that the subject of control methods in the canned food industry is very broad, and includes chemical, physical, organoleptic, and bacteriological tests, only the first of which is discussed here. The measurement of color, odor, optical clarity, texture, viscosity, and chemical composition has been used to evaluate canned foods, but in many cases the methods that are applicable to one product are either not applicable to another, or can be used only after considerable modification. 

S. N. Sehgal u. C. Vezina, Bacteriological Proceedings (69th Annual ASM Meeting, Miami Beach, Fla.), S. 3... 

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