What is doing the work in your biological system?

Environmental Genomics™ – know what microbes are in your system when making important operational decisions.

Next-Generation Wastewater Monitoring

Knowing what organisms are vital to quality effluent helps you run a biological treatment at peak efficiency. Environmental Genomics™ testing gives a deep understanding of the biomass and how slight changes impact treatment. Microbial Community Analysis (MCA) and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) tests provide information that other tests do not: our genetics-based wastewater monitoring tools go beyond the physicochemical properties of biomass to identify the groups of bacteria that perform the work – or create problems – in your WWTP.

You can make better decisions when you understand the composition of your biomass. The microbial community can respond quickly to changes in influent composition or operating conditions, and not always in a good way. When faced with upset conditions, you need to make operational decisions that can have big financial impacts. You can't hit pause while waiting on a report. We work hard to get you the information you need in a timely fashion.

For Operators

Operators are not looking for a science fair project - they need actionable results. Our reports focus on the key roles that different microbes play in a system, from ammonia oxidation to zoogleal bulking. We summarize the data in an easy-to-read table that doesn't require an extensive microbiology background to understand. If you are looking for the detailed data, we provide that, too.

Fast Results

We understand that operators can't wait weeks for analytical results when faced with an upset. We work hard to provide data as quickly as possible. MCA results are typically available within 5 to 7 business days, while qPCR results can be ready within 48 hours. But, if you need the results sooner, ask us about rush processing.

Simplified Sampling

Plant operations are becoming more complex, with strategies to improve biological nutrient removal while minimizing chemical and energy use. Routine monitoring of biomass composition can help operators dial in conditions to achieve the best effluent quality possible.

Next-Generation Wastewater Monitoring

Microbial Community Analysis

Traditional wastewater monitoring tests usually ignore the identities of the microbes doing all the work. An MCA is a microbial census that provides insight into the biomass in your operations.

What microbes are present?
In what relative amounts?
What biological functions are present?

An MCA can provide operational insights:

Health of biological nutrient removal (N & P)
Causes of foaming or bulking
Crosscheck of aeration/energy/chemical usage

When faced with upset conditions, you need to make operational decisions that can have big financial impacts. You can't hit pause while waiting on a report. We work hard to get you the information you need in a timely fashion.

qPCR (Key Microorganism Trending)

With quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR, see wikipedia: PCR), you can now track key microbes in your system with high precision, accuracy and sensitivity. For routine monitoring of operations, this quick, low-cost test can act as an "early warning" system, allowing you to detect changes in biomass composition before you see a change in effluent quality or system performance.

Stay on top of:

Nocardia-related foam
Zoogleal bulking
Problematic filaments
Phosphorus-accumulating organisms
Ammonia- and/or nitrite-oxidizing microorganisms

How it Works

You have lot of different responsibilities. Getting an advanced degree in microbiology shouldn't be one of them. Our reports focus on the important microorganisms and how they may impact your operations. Want all the detailed data, too? Just let us know.

Collect a Sample

Our collection kit keeps things simple. Using the supplied sterile pipet, just transfer 2 milliliters of MLSS to a collection tube, shake to mix, and add a label.

Ship to Lab

Drop the sample in a padded envelope and ship it to us using your preferred next-day delivery service. No ice or ice chest required.

Review Report

MCA results are usually available within 5 to 7 business days, although samples can be rushed for results in 24 - 48 hours. qPCR results for tracking key strains are usually available within 24 to 48 hours.

Simplified Sample Collection

Everyone is busy. Difficult sample collection and shipping just slows you down. That's why we've developed a sample collection kit that is quick and easy to use. Just add ~2 milliliters of mixed liquor or other biomass (~500 mg/L or higher) to our sample preservation solution, shake to mix, and ship it out in an padded overnight envelope or small box. No ice or ice chest required. Drop us a note to order a sample collection kit.

If you have low-biomass samples, we can still help. Just contact us on the best way to collect and ship your samples.

About Us

At Aster Bio, we apply advanced biotechnology to biological wastewater treatment. Complex microbial communities degrade pollutants, leaving clean water for discharge. Aster Bio's advanced molecular diagnostics allow us to evaluate your biomass at a genetic level. Unlike conventional laboratory tests, our Environmental Genomics™ platform allows for tracking and troubleshooting at an accuracy not seen with any other technology. We also use Environmental Genomics™ data to formulate and produce bioaugmentation products that help improve control over biomass composition.

Aster Bio, Inc.

PO Box 27841
Houston, TX 77227-7841

+1 713 724-0082

Send samples to:

Aster Bio, Inc.
3733 Westheimer Road
Suite 1 # 20
Houston, TX 77027

Home

MCA

qPCR