What is BS EN ISO 9308-2:2019

BS EN ISO 9308-2:2019 is a technical standard that provides guidelines and requirements for the detection and enumeration of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and coliform bacteria in water samples. The standard specifies the culture method using liquid medium, known as the membrane filtration (MF) technique, to determine the presence and concentration of these bacteria.

Importance of BS EN ISO 9308-2:2019

The existence of E. coli and coliform bacteria in water is an indicator of fecal contamination, which can pose significant health risks if consumed by humans or animals. Therefore, it is crucial to have reliable methods to detect and quantify these bacteria in water samples. BS EN ISO 9308-2:2019 plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water and other water sources by providing standardized procedures for testing laboratories.

Key Requirements and Procedures

The standard outlines specific requirements for sample collection, handling, and laboratory analysis. It includes guidelines for appropriate growth media and cultural conditions, as well as the preparation and interpretation of results. The MF technique described in BS EN ISO 9308-2:2019 involves passing a known volume of water through a membrane filter, which retains bacterial cells. The filter is then placed onto a selective agar plate, allowing the growth of target bacteria for enumeration.

Benefits and Applications

By following the protocols defined in BS EN ISO 9308-2:2019, laboratories can obtain accurate and comparable results for the presence and concentration of E. coli and coliform bacteria. This information is essential for assessing the microbiological quality of various water sources, including drinking water, swimming pools, and recreational waters. The standard enables regulatory authorities, research institutions, and water utility companies to monitor water quality effectively and ensure the implementation of appropriate remedial actions if required.