Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification Practice Test

What are the two categories of coliform bacteria?

1. Lactose and lauryl tryptose

2. Primary and secondary

3. Free swimming and stalked

4. Total and Fecal

The correct answer is: Total and Fecal

Coliform bacteria are an important group of microorganisms used as indicators of water quality and sanitation. They are categorized primarily into two main categories: Total coliforms and Fecal coliforms. Total coliforms encompass a broad range of bacteria found in the environment, including soil, vegetation, and in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and humans. The presence of total coliforms in water indicates that there may be a pathway for pathogens to contaminate the drinking water supply. On the other hand, fecal coliforms, which are a subset of total coliforms, specifically indicate the presence of bacteria that originate from fecal matter. The presence of fecal coliforms, such as E. coli, is a more direct indication of potential contamination by pathogens that can cause disease. Identifying these two categories helps water treatment operators assess the quality of water and implement necessary treatment measures to ensure public health and safety.