A water sample containing 5,000 fecal coliform colonies per 100 ml falls into which environmental impact category?

The category into which a water sample with 5,000 fecal coliform colonies per 100 ml falls is determined based on the classification criteria associated with fecal coliform levels in water bodies. In many environmental health guidelines, fecal coliform bacteria levels are used to assess water quality and the potential risk of waterborne disease.

A water sample with 5,000 fecal coliform colonies per 100 ml typically indicates a significant level of contamination and poses a higher risk to public health. Categories often reflect ranges of fecal coliform concentrations, with lower categories representing cleaner water and higher categories representing more contaminated conditions.

Category 2 generally includes water samples that are on the border between safe and unsafe for recreational use and may have an elevated risk for humans. Therefore, it is appropriate to place a count of 5,000 fecal coliform colonies in Category 2, indicating a concerning level of contamination that necessitates caution and possibly further testing or management actions.

This classification helps guide decisions on water use, public health advisories, and regulatory actions to minimize exposure to harmful bacteria.