What is an indicator of potential pathogens in water?

Fecal coliform bacteria serve as a key indicator of potential pathogens in water because they originate from the intestines of warm-blooded animals and their presence suggests contamination from fecal matter. This contamination can lead to the presence of harmful microorganisms and pathogens, which pose health risks to humans and other organisms.

Monitoring levels of fecal coliform is essential for assessing water quality, particularly in recreational waters and drinking water sources, as these bacteria are relatively easy and inexpensive to test for. Their detection often prompts further investigation and measures to mitigate contamination risks.

While sediment levels, groundwater levels, and plant diversity contribute valuable information about environmental health and water quality, they do not directly indicate the presence of pathogens like fecal coliform bacteria do. Thus, it is specifically the presence of fecal coliform that highlights potential biological threats in surface water sources.