Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen, and has been linked as the causative agent of numerous infections that may be transmitted through a contaminated water supply to a susceptible host. In addition to its direct pathogenicity, the association of P. aeruginosa with human fecal waste indicates that where elevated levels of P. aeruginosa are found, a serious health hazard may exist due to the presence of other pathogens.

The membrane filtration procedure described is a rapid and reliable test method of detecting P. aeruginosa in water.

1.1 This test method covers the isolation and enumeration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) from surface waters; recreational waters; ground water, water supplies; especially rural nonchlorinated sources; waste water; and saline waters. The detection limit of this test method is one microorganism per 100 mL.

1.2 This test method was used successfully with reagent water and it is the user's responsibility to ensure the validity of this test method for waters of untested matrices.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazard statements are given in Section 10.