Where are fecal coliform bacteria commonly found?

Fecal coliform bacteria are a group of bacteria that are commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans. These bacteria are an important indicator of fecal contamination in water sources because their presence generally indicates that the water has been contaminated with feces, which may contain pathogens that can cause illness. Since they are naturally occurring in the digestive systems of these animals, their detection in water bodies often serves as a sign of the potential presence of harmful microbes.

In contrast, while fecal coliform bacteria may sometimes be present in other environments, such as soil or near sewage treatment plants, these are not their primary habitat. Cold-blooded animals do not typically harbor fecal coliform since these bacteria are specifically found in warm-blooded organisms. Therefore, identifying fecal coliform in water can help assess water quality and safety for human and environmental health.