1. Fecal Coliform
Aquatic Ecology

2. Fecal Coliform Now that you have researched FC: What is FC?
How can one be affected by FC?
Is it a factor in Manahawkin Lake?
Is it a factor in our drinking water?

3. Definition
A group of organisms found in the intestinal tracts of people and animals. Their presence in water indicates pollution and in large numbers may pose a health hazard.

4. The Factor Any amount of fecal coliform in water is a problem.
Drinking water_____________1FC
Total body contact__________200FC
Partial body contact_________1000FC
Threated sewage effluent_____200 FC
Total body contact- swimming
Partial body contact- boating
Not to exceed 200 FC for sewage effluent

5. Monitoring The Levels
Pathogens are relatively scarce in water, making them difficult and time-consuming to monitor directly. Instead, fecal coliform levels are monitored, because of the correlation between fecal coliform counts and the probability of contracting a disease from the water.

6. Sources
How does it get into the water system, especially lakes?

7. The Sources
The presence of fecal coliform bacteria in aquatic environments indicates that the water has been contaminated with the fecal material of man or other animals.
These bacteria can enter rivers through direct discharge from mammals and birds, from agricultural and storm runoff carrying wastes from birds and mammals and from human sewage discharge into the water.
The fecal coliform bacteria is a group of organisms found in the intestinal tracts of people and animals.
Fecal coliform by themselves are not pathogenic. Pathogenic organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause diseases and illnesses.

8. The Impact
Some waterborne pathogenic diseases include typhoid fever, viral and bacterial gastroenteritis and hepatitis A. The presence of fecal contamination is an indicator that a potential health risk exists for individuals exposed to this water.

9. Monitoring
How can we test for FC?

10. Testing
Coliscan Easy Gel

11. Identifying FC

12. Sources http://www.wavcc.org/wvc/cadre/WaterQuality/fecal.HTM