m-FC with rosolic acid is used for the detection and enumeration of fecal coliforms in ground, surface, recreational, and waste waters using the membrane filtration technique. m-FC with rosolic acid is more selective for fecal coliforms when compared to standard m-FC. M-FC with rosolic acid is incubated for 24 hours at 44-45 oC.
Rosolic acid inhibits bacterial growth in general, except for fecal coliforms. Rosolic acid is a differential indicator that helps distinguish fecal coliforms from other bacteria. Colonies of fecal coliforms are blue; non-fecal coliforms and other organisms are gray to cream-colored. Selective for fecal coliforms.