An experiment to identify levels of triclosan that are harmful to bacteria in Puget Sound.

Abstract

The commonly used antibacterial substance, triclosan, makes its way into Puget Sound during sewage outfalls. Bacteria, naturally living in the water, might become an accidental target of triclosan. Water samples were collected but there wasn't clear growth inhibition at most locations, and overall bacterial growth rate was very slow. Bacteria may have already been resistant to triclosan or triclosan effects went undetectable due to the slow growth rate and short incubation period.