Microbiology testing

Microbiology testing

Testing for the presence and level of microorganisms in the products of wastewater treatment processes (for example treated sewage sludge for use as fertilizer and treated final effluent for discharge) may be required by local regulations. In addition, microbiological testing of raw sewage and the stages of the treatment process may be required for process monitoring or validation. ALS can provide testing services, which can help inform the effectiveness of treatment processes and the suitability of the end products for release.

Microbiology test methods

ALS provides a wide range of microbiological analysis for wastewater and associated samples. This includes methods for the detection, quantification, confirmation, and identification of specific bacteria, and suites of investigative analysis including microscopy to assess the quality and microbial content after wastewater treatment processes.

Analysis provided by ALS includes

• Salmonella
• E. coli
• Ephedrine
• Microscopic analysis
• Coliforms
• Total Viable Count
• Enterococci
• Sulphate reducing bacteria
• Viruses including Sars-Cov-2

SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater

Regular and ongoing monitoring of wastewater effluent can provide an early indication of SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in populations, possibly while occupants are asymptomatic but potentially contagious. Testing can provide trend data indicative of viral load over time, measuring the prevalence of COVID-19 in communities, anticipating outbreaks and warn of future outbreaks. Find more information in our videos below:

• SARS-CoV-2 Analysis in Wastewater & Swabs
• SARS-CoV-2 in Wastewater