Comparison of the multiple-sample means with composite sample results for fecal indicator bacteria by quantitative PCR and culture

Abstract

Few studies have addressed the efficacy of composite sampling for measuring indicator bacteria by quantitative PCR (qPCR). We compared results from composited samples with multiple-sample means for culture- and qPCR-based water quality monitoring. Results from composited samples for both methods were similarly correlated to multiple-sample means and predicted criteria exceedances equally. © 2012, American Society for Microbiology.