Microbiological water analysis estimates the number of bacteria present and identifies
microorganisms.
The microbial population in a water sample can change over time, which can lead to inaccurate assessments of water quality. Therefore, it is recommended that water samples be transported and analyzed within 8-24hrs.
It is dependent on your validation research of a storage water sample at 2-8°C.
Samples should be collected for microbiological examination in sterile containers.
Samples should be kept in a refrigerator 2-8°C.
The sample should be analyzed within two hours of collection, if not, store it between 2-8
degrees Celsius.
Before analysis water sample attain room temperature
If a sample exceeds the holding time, it is considered suspect, and the sample collection may
have to be repeated.
Some microbes may survive for a month in storage in water, but others may not.
𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞: if the pH of a water sample collected in the field is 6.8, it may rise to 7.5 by the
time the sample arrives for analysis in a laboratory. This is because dissolved CO2 leaves the
sample once it’s warmed, which affects the equilibrium of carbonic acid.