EVALUATION OF MICROBIOLOGICAL METHODS FOR USE IN MARINE WATERS: ENUMERATION OF STAPHYLOCOCCI BY A FLUORESCENT ANTIBODY TECHNIQUE, AND ISOTOPIC DETERMINATION OF BACTERIAL METABOLIC POTENTIAL

Two methods, a membrane filter-fluorescent antibody technique for
detection of Staphylococcus aureus, and isotopic determination of
relative heterotrophic activity, were compared with a standard technique
based on the recovery of coliform organisms for evaluation as indices of
marine pollution. Water samples were collected from coastal areas of
Pompano Beach and Boca Raton, Florida. Coliform and staphylococci
survival in seawater was studied under laboratory conditions. The effect
of exposure to seawater on substrate uptake by coliforms and other sewage
microorganisms was studied using isotopic methods. The results of these
studies support the feasibility of using S· aureus as a long-range
indicator of marine pollution. Under natural conditions, S· aureus
appears more resistant to seawater than coliform organisms, although the
reverse was found under laboratory conditions. Seawater inhibited uptake
of glucose and lactose by Escherichia coli and other sewage organisms.
Relative heterotrophic potentials in terms of glucose and lactose uptake
velocities were not significantly affected in coastal waters by the
influx of bacteria and nutrients in sewage outfall effluent.