Multiple Tube Fermentation Method | Membrane Filter Method |
Slower: requires 48 hours for a positive or presumptive positive | More rapid: quantitative results in about 18 hours |
More labour intensive | Less labour intensive |
Requires more culture medium | Requires less culture medium |
Requires more glassware | Requires less glassware |
More sensitive | Less sensitive |
Low precision | High precision |
Difficult to use in the field | Can be adapted for field use |
Applicable to all types of water | Not applicable to turbid waters |
Consumables readily available in most Countries | Cost of consumables is high in many Countries |
May give better recovery of stressed or damaged organisms |
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