Quantitative PCR

 

Track the microorganisms that have the biggest impact on your system.

 

Quantitative PCR (qPCR)

Track key microbes in your system.

A quantitative (or "real-time") polymerase chain reaction is a powerful tool for detecting and quantifying microorganisms of interest, even if they can't be measured by traditional plate counts.

Sometimes you just want to track changes in a key microbe that impacts your system performance. You can with qPCR – a quick, sensitive and specific test.

Most wastewater systems misbehave in a consistent fasion - a filament that has been a problem in the past will probably be a problem in the future. With traditional wastewater monitoring tools, it's challenging to detect changes in biomass composition before an upset occurs. qPCR, lets operators operators identify changes and take corrective action before problems are obvious.

Potential Applications

  • Monitor levels of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria in nitritation-denitritation systems
  • Track problematic filaments
  • Optimize nitrate dosing for control of sulfur-reducing bacteria in collection systems

Available Tests

  • Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria
  • Ammonia-oxidizing archaea
  • Nitrite-oxidizing bacteria
  • Complete ammonia-oxidizing Nitrospira (COMAMMOX)
  • Nitrogen-fixing bacteria
  • Sulfur-reducing bacteria
  • Non-filamentous bulking bacteria
  • Many filaments, including ThiothrixMicrothrixSphaerotilus and others

Customized Testing

Each wastewater system is different – and our knowledge of the microbes involved is expanding rapidly. "Standard" tests aren't always appropriate. Using the data from microbial community analysis, we can develop custom tests appropriate for your system.

Simplified Sample Collection

Operators are busy. Difficult sample collection and shipping protocols just slow them down on the job. 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 gm/L or higher) to our sample preservation solution, shake to mix, and ship it out in a padded envelope. No ice or ice chest required.

If you have low-biomass samples, such as clarifier effluent, we can still help. Just contact our lab for advice on the best way to collect and ship your samples.