An indicator that describes the amount of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria in water, usually expressed as the number of colony-forming units (CFU/100 ml)
Shows the microbiological quality of water and the possible presence of fecal contamination
E. coli is the most reliable indicator of fecal contamination because its presence indicates the possible existence of pathogenic microorganisms in water
A high number of E. coli poses a risk to human health, especially due to possible intestinal infections and other diseases
In occupational health and safety assessments (drinking water quality, sanitary risk)
In water control of industrial facilities (food industry, technological processes)
In environmental studies (assessment of water body condition, wastewater analysis, fecal pollution monitoring)
