Complexing of copper in drinking water samples to enhance recovery of Aeromonas and other bacteria

  1. J.F.M. Versteegh1,
  2. A.H. Havelaar1,*,
  3. A.C. Hoekstra2,
  4. A. Visser2

Article first published online: 11 MAR 2008

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.1989.tb02528.x

Issue

Journal of Applied Microbiology

Journal of Applied Microbiology

Volume 67, Issue 5, pages 561–566, November 1989

Additional Information

How to Cite

Versteegh, J., Havelaar, A., Hoekstra, A. and Visser, A. (1989), Complexing of copper in drinking water samples to enhance recovery of Aeromonas and other bacteria. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 67: 561–566. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.1989.tb02528.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    National Institute of Public Health and Environmental Protection, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven

  2. 2

    Municipal Dune Water Works, P.O. Box 710, 2501 CS The Hague, The Netherlands

* * Corresponding author.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 11 MAR 2008
  2. Article first published online: 11 MAR 2008
  3. Received 28 November 1988, revised 4 April 1989 and accepted 6 April 1989

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The presence of copper in drinking water samples at concentrations as low as 10 μg/l resulted in a rapid die-off of aeromonads. Coliform bacteria, heterotrophic plate count bacteria and faecal streptococci were also sensitive to copper but to a lesser degree than aeromonads. The effect was particularly noticeable in soft water (<3 meq/l Ca + Mg) and at pH-values below 8.0. The toxic effect of copper concentrations up to 500 μg/l could be neutralized for a period of up to 24 h by the addition to samples of 50 mg/l of disodium-ethylene-diamino-tetraacetate (Na2EDTA) and keeping the samples on melting ice.

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