Use R2A Agar for enumeration and cultivation of heterotrophic bacteria from potable water. Reasoner and Geldreich of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency developed R2A Agar for the isolation and recovery of aerobic and facultative heterotrophic bacteria from treated potable water samples³. In this medium the low nutrients give higher counts in treated potable waters as compared to a highly nutritious medium because these bacteria tend to be slow-growing species and would quickly be suppressed by faster-growing species on a richer culture medium.

• Recommended by the APHA in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wasterwater¹
• Superior to plate count agar when using pour plate, spread plate and membrane filter technique².
• Ready-to-use – Convenience of prepared medium

This medium contains peptone that supplies nitrogenous compounds and amino acids necessary for growth. Dextrose is added as a carbon source of energy. Yeast extract supplies B-complex vitamins and serves as a growth enhancer. Addition of soluble starch as a neutralizer and sodium pyruvate stimulates the growth of stressed bacteria. Buffering agents such as dipotassium phosphate and magnesium sulfate maintain osmotic equilibrium.

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