What is the incubation temperature and duration for fecal coliform in wastewater?

The incubation temperature and duration for fecal coliform in wastewater is typically set at 44.5° Centigrade for 24 hours. This temperature is chosen because it optimizes the growth conditions for fecal coliform bacteria, which are typically found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. The elevated temperature helps to inhibit the growth of non-fecal coliform bacteria, allowing for a more accurate assessment of contamination from fecal sources.

Fecal coliform testing is essential in wastewater management to determine the level of sanitary quality and to assess potential health risks associated with pathogen exposure. The specific conditions of 44.5° Centigrade for 24 hours align with standard microbiological practices to provide reliable and reproducible results that signify the presence of fecal pollution.

The other options reflect different incubation conditions that are either not typically used for fecal coliform testing or do not provide the appropriate environment to achieve the desired growth of these bacteria for accurate measurement of fecal contamination.