In: Biology
A dairy is suspected of improperly handling milk during the pasteurization process. Samples of the pasteurized milk are brought to the lab for viable plate counts.
A 1 ml sample of the pasteurized milk is added to 99 ml of water. 1 ml and 0.1 ml of this dilution are plated, and the results are TNTC.
A second dilution of 1 ml into 99 ml of water was also made, with 1 ml and 0.1 ml plated. The results were TNTC and 320 colonies, respectively.
A third dilution of 1 ml into 9 ml of water was performed, and plates were made with 1 ml and 0.1 ml. The results were 290 and 27 colonies, respectively.
What was the total bacterial count in the pasteurized milk? Please put the answer here, then send me a screenshot/photo of your work for full credit.