[Comparative study of the detection of E. coli after time in seawater with partially modified standard media].

Fecal coliform bacteria (E. coli) are the most important parameter when monitoring the hygienic quality of bathing water according to EC guidelines. Among other things the number of E. coli is clearly dependent on the length of exposure of the bacteria to marine water as well as the media used to establish the number. In a seven-day salt water stress experiment the best rate of recultivation was achieved on average with DEV lactose peptone broth. The Brila-MUG medium produced a slightly lower rate of recultivation and the fluorocult-lauryl-sulfate-broth the lowest rate of recultivation. After a shorter exposure of bacteria to marine water conditions (up to 24 h) the DEV-lactose-broth produced slightly lower rates of recultivation. An alteration of the standard components of the media did not lead to an improvement in the rate of recultivation.