METAGENOMICS • DATA SCIENCE • BIOBANKING
Wastewater DNA Analysis
Wastewater DNA analysis is a powerful new tool to diagnose and improve a microbial process that can be fickle and difficult to troubleshoot. Troubleshooting is typically performed by analyzing microbes with a microscope. However, this method can only identify large microbes with unique shapes or staining features. Most microbes responsible for wastewater treatment are small without unique shapes. Identifying and solving issues can be difficult or impossible with microscopy. Key biological processes include Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) and Anaerobic Digestion.
Biological Nutrient Removal DNA Analysis
Nutrient pollution is one of the world’s most widespread, costly, and challenging environmental problems, caused by excess nitrogen and phosphorus in the air and water. Regulated discharge limits of phosphorus and nitrogen in wastewater effluent are therefore becoming increasingly stringent. Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) removes nutrients biologically instead of chemically and enables more efficient, resilient and sustainable nutrient management solutions.
Anaerobic Digestion DNA Analysis
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a microbial process that relies on the presence of many different types of microbes to work. Improving biogas production in a one-million gallon reactor by 5-10% can offset up to $200,000 annually in power costs when used for onsite power (Ling, A. 2020). The microbial community that makes up a specific digester’s microbiome (the combination of all types of microbes in the digester) will affect digester outcomes such as COD removal and biogas production.
Eliminate Wastewater Guesswork using DNA Analysis
BNR and AD microbes cannot be measured using standard industry tests. As a result, operators rely on indicators to manage, troubleshoot, and optimize these complex biological processes and are left with a lot of guesswork. Microbe Detectives DNA analysis methods identify and quantify all essential BNR and AD microbes and provides a more intimate understanding of the system’s biological performance.
Microbiome Analyst
Our Microbiome Analyst will work with you to design and execute the most effective sampling and analysis plan, tailored to meet your unique needs and goals.
Your Microbiome Analyst will provide guidance on the DNA analysis methods that will meet your needs and objectives.
5 Benefits of Wastewater DNA Analysis (Metagenomics)
Leon Downing, PhD, PE, Black & Veatch (formerly with CH2M)
make more efficient designs
operate more efficiently
use less energy
produce cleaner water
reduce the burden on ratepayers for wastewater infrastructure
DNA Analysis in Wastewater News
Dr. Paul Campbell Joins Microbe Detectives’ Advisory Board
Microbe Detectives and Aster Bio have formed a new collaboration to accelerate modern DNA insights to the world's increasing water challenges. The collaboration aims to enable more informed, effective, and efficient strategies to optimize wastewater processes, protect...
Navy Diver and Microbiologist Joins Microbe Detectives
Microbe Detectives is happy to announce Grant Schouweiler, a microbiologist from Purdue University and former diver for the U.S. Navy, has joined the team as a Microbiome Analyst. We spoke with Grant about his unique background and future of microbiology in biofuels,...
Energenecs and Microbe Detectives Partner
Energenecs and Microbe Detectives partner to deliver total solutions to the wastewater industry January 28, 2019 – Energenecs, a premier supplier of process equipment and control solutions to water and wastewater clients throughout the upper Midwest, now provides...
Your Microbiome Analyst will provide guidance on the DNA analysis methods that will meet your needs and objectives.