Hi Victor

I work at a CETP. We are going to set up a microbiology lab. Can you please send me information on the topics listed above? Also the equipments and other requirements for a wastewater microbiology lab.

Thank you,
Neerja

Neerja:

If you can be more specific as to the type of microbiological testing that will be done at the lab that you are setting up I can probably respond with more information. Total coliforms/fecals coliforms? Number of samples expected to process per day. Can you use Colilert or are you required to perform multiple tube fermentation? Are you required to be certified and must meet specific QA/QC protocols?

The microbiological workshop in Port Angeles is set up to acquaint laboratory as well as operational personnel to wastewater microbiology and the ecology associated with these organisms and the relationship to operational processes. The use of stains and other aspects of microbiology will be used to corroborate the microscopic examinations as well as utilize operational parameters to "correct" problems encountered in wastewater treatment.

Victor Santa Cruz

We are much more interested with the Activated Sludge Microbiology-those helpful and those which hinder settling and the instruments required.

Neerja

Neerja:

The one critical instrument that is essential for conducting a microscopic examination of activated sludge is a good quality (we are talking about an Olympus) phase contrast microscope equipped with at least a 10x and 1000x objectives. The 1000x is necessary for filament identification. You can add a digital camera to the microscope to take photos of your observations.

Victor Santa Cruz

Thank you. I also need to identify the organisms and its effect on plant operation. So if you could help me with Points 2 onwards of your seminar, I would be thankful.

Neerja

Dear Victor

Please supply me with your e-mail address.

Regards
Karl-Heinz

Dear Neerja:

My apologies for not responding sooner. I've received word that 22 of the 26 positions for the class are taken up. There is room for only 4 more people. So, if you are interested in being part of the class do as soon as possible.

To get back to your last question: Here is a bit more information--my main emphasis in the class is to bring the lab and operations together to make them understand that they are both working towards the same goal.

1. Care and Use of Microscope

A. This topic is as important as the other ones in the sense that the microscope is the instrument that is used to identify the various filamentous bacteria. If the instrument is not serviced and maintained properly the quality of what is being viewed will degrade dramatically and will defeat any purposes for which the microscope is being used.
B. There are a few maintenance requirements that are necessary to keep the microscope at tip-top shape. Hands on will be emphasized. I will put the microscope out of whack and with previous instructions, you will have to ?service? the microscope and put it back in working order.

2. Identification of wastewater organisms (with special emphasis on filamentous bacteria)

A. Some of the more common filamentous bacteria will be presented. Through the use of morphology (size, shape, length) and confirmatory tests (stains) you will be able to make an educated guess as to what is being viewed microscopically.
B. Presenting the basics as to what the presence of rotifers, ciliates, worms, and flagellates means in terms of wastewater treatment and what it is that they do.

3. Implications of microscopic examination and relationship to operation of treatment plant

A. Changes can be viewed under the microscope before they become apparent in the treatment process. Things to look for when conducting daily microscopic examinations.
B. There are a few clues that can be viewed under the microscope that give a glimpse of operational processes. These clues, coupled with other laboratory data and operational parameters may give foresight to preventing bulking.

4. Microscopic case studies (with participation of class. Given a microscopic examination, can you determine the reasons why specific organisms are present?

A. There will be some case studies presented. These will be photographic/video representation of samples. Class participation will determine what is going on in the sample.
B. Depending on what is being viewed under the microscope, what other lab/operational parameters should be commenced to either corroborate the microscopic examination or attempt to understand the biology.

5. Staining (Gram, Neisser and Reverse ((India Ink))stain and probably PHB stain). Proper staining protocol

6. Relationship of bacterial growth curve to lab and operations, F/M, SRT. Nitrification/denitrification and other important laboratory parameters such as anion/cation balance and its effects on the morphology of the floc and dewatering properties. The importance of Fe to floc formation and digestion.

A. This will bring together the multidisciplinary aspects of wastewater treatment: Laboratory (chemistry, biology), engineering, and operations to name a few. Know what the other person is doing and why.

Victor Santa Cruz

Dear Victor

Transpacific Waste Services operate an Industrial/Hazardous Wastewater Treatment Plant. Our effluent is polished with twin activated sludge tanks. My undergraduate qualifications (1979) included a BSc in Biology and our Process Engineer has previous biological treatment experience.

We have an excellent phase contrast scope and camera and some familiarity with microbiological examinations. I was wondering if your recent publication was a power point presentation. If so, is there any chance of you sending us a copy?

With Kind Regards
Charlie Pierce
Laboratory Manager
cpierce@transpac.com.au

I am speaking at a small conference about basic use of a microscope for water amd waste water. Could you please send me some links on where to find valuable information?