If a sample of water contains 5,000 fecal coliform colonies per 100 ml of water, which environmental impact category does it fall into?

A sample of water containing 5,000 fecal coliform colonies per 100 ml indicates a significant level of contamination that raises serious public health concerns. Fecal coliform bacteria are indicators of fecal contamination and the potential presence of harmful pathogens in water.

In many water quality standards, fecal coliform concentrations are used to assess the safety of water bodies for recreational use or drinking purposes. The levels present in the sample suggest a highly contaminated environment, typically associated with categories related to severe environmental impacts.

The choice that indicates a proper level for 5,000 fecal coliforms aligns with the understanding that such levels are generally unacceptable for drinking water and pose risks to human health, which would typically categorize this situation as a serious issue under environmental impact categories. This relevance to public health and safety is why this particular classification is appropriate.

Understanding these thresholds is critical, as they guide water quality management and public health interventions necessary to address contamination. The categories are often determined by specific guidelines and can have implications for regulatory actions to protect water sources and public health.