Complexing of copper in drinking water samples to enhance recovery of Aeromonas and other bacteria.

The presence of copper in drinking water samples at concentrations as low as 10 micrograms/l resulted in a rapid die-off of aeromonads. Coliform bacteria, heterotrophic plate count bacteria and faecal streptococci were also sensitive to copper but to a lesser degree than aeromonads. The effect was particularly noticeable in soft water (less than 3 meq/l Ca + Mg) and at pH-values below 8.0. The toxic effect of copper concentrations up to 500 micrograms/l could be neutralized for a period of up to 24 h by the addition to samples of 50 mg/l of disodium-ethylene-diamino-tetraacetate (Na2EDTA) and keeping the samples on melting ice.