What is a Durham tube used for in wastewater analysis?

A Durham tube is specifically designed for use in microbiological analysis, particularly for detecting the presence of coliform bacteria in wastewater samples. This small inverted tube captures any gas produced during fermentation processes, indicating the activity of these bacteria. When coliform bacteria ferment certain carbohydrates, they produce gas as a byproduct, which will be seen as bubbles in the Durham tube. Therefore, the presence of gas in this tube signifies bacterial activity and suggests contamination, making it an effective tool for assessing water quality in wastewater analysis.

While the other options relate to important aspects of wastewater treatment and monitoring, they do not pertain to the specific function of a Durham tube. Measuring temperature, determining sludge volume, and measuring pH levels require different types of instruments and methodologies that are not associated with the capabilities of a Durham tube.