Question

The coliform count in drinking water is done
A. To ascertain fecal contamination
B. To assess the hardness of water
C. To determine the effect of chlorination
D. To estimate the number of suspended impurities

Answer 1

Hint:There are a few categories of bacteria that function as pollution indicator organisms. There are different bacteria groups that come under the coliform bacteria. Generally, they are found on the surface of the earth and can even be present on our skin. But to human beings, they are harmless.

Complete answer:Coliform bacteria or Escherichia coli are bacteria of the genus Escherichia and are present in warm-blooded mammalian intestines. The E. coli test is a test for water contamination and is performed by counting the number of coliform bacteria E. per 100 mL of water, coli colonies. The test is known as the microbial density of coliforms. The standards for water quality are that drinking water should not have any E bacteria. Colonies of coli, bathing water, and pool water should not exceed 88 E. Per mL of water and recreational (fishing and boating) water, colonies of coli should not have more than 407 E. Per 100mL of water, coli colonies.
Coliform bacteria are microorganisms that are mainly found in warm-blooded animals' intestines and are therefore present in the faeces of animals. Through testing for coliforms, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli), it is possible to determine whether the water may have been exposed to faecal contamination, i.e. whether it has come into contact with human or animal faeces.
Hence, option A- To ascertain fecal contamination is the correct answer.

Note: Proper water testing requires that we get from the laboratory a sterilized sample and strictly follow the instructions. It is required to connect the regional public water system, build a new, continuous disinfection system, use bottled water for drinking and cooking in order to avoid contamination in the long term.