Services Offered

Microscopic examination of wastewater sludges is invaluable in determining the health of the treatment system and in evaluating treatment problems that may be occurring. For activated sludge, the abundance and identity of filaments is essential as sludge bulking and foaming are common operational problems. Twenty-four different filaments commonly occur, each with a different cause and control approach. These have six basic causes: (1) low oxygen concentration; (2) low F/M conditions; (3) septicity; (4) low nutrients; (5) high grease and oil; and (6) low pH. The microscopic examination identifies the filament(s) and other indicator organisms present and this information is then used to give the suggested causes for the filaments and suggestions for their control. For lagoons, additional testing for other microorganisms, especially algae, is done.

All types of biological wastewater treatment systems can be evaluated by the microscopic examination for diagnosis of problems that may occur. These include activated sludge, aerated sludge basins, lagoons, trickling filters, RBCs, wetlands and aerobic and anaerobic digester systems (and anything else).

Two types of analyses are offered. The standard analysis is the Microscopic Examination. This test evaluates the health of the biomass, presence and abundance of higher life forms, abundance and identity of filaments and other indicator organisms, assessment of nutrient status by staining, and other biological problems that might be occurring. Results are given in a short, written report along with recommendations to correct the problems found.

The report is accompanied by a set of high quality 35mm color slides that illustrate and document the findings. Dr. Richard’s photomicrographs are of the highest quality and have been used to illustrate books and articles worldwide. These photos are equivalent to a 50 megabyte file size and can be viewed directly, used in group meetings, and printed or scanned to a digital file. The photos are also supplied in digital format on a CD in a smaller file size (6.5 MB) for ease of viewing and distribution.

The second test offered is chemical polysaccharide testing of the sludge. This is the best method to determine whether nutrients are present in sufficient amounts for good treatment. Sludges developed at low nutrient concentration (low N and/or P) build up polysaccharide to high amounts. Normal activated sludge contains 10-20% polysaccharide dry weight; nutrient deficient sludges contain higher amounts than this, to >90%. The sludge polysaccharide content is measured using the anthrone test. This is an acid digestion of the sludge followed by colorimetric determination of the sugars released. 100 mls of sample are needed for this test. This testing is done once per week, currently on Wednesdays (subject to change). Try to get the sample to us by Wednesday AM for prompt analysis. Note that this test is needed for industrial wastewater systems but generally is not needed for municipal wastewater systems unless significant industrial wastewater is treated.

Collection and Shipment of Samples

For activated sludge and most other systems, a 100 ml MLSS sample is needed. This should be placed in a plastic, screw-capped bottle filled no more than ½ full (for air) and the lid taped. This should be collected from the end of the aeration process (generally the feed to the final clarifier(s)). Place the bottle in a plastic baggie and then in a shipping box with absorbent paper wrapping and ship overnight for morning delivery. No ice or ice chest is needed. Note that ice chests will not be returned due to the cost of return shipping.

If any foam is present on the aeration basin or final clarifier, then a separate 100 ml sample of the foam should also be sent. Be sure to collect “fresh” foam from the center of the basin, not from around the edges. Note that a MLSS and foam pair count as one sample for billing.

For systems with multiple treatment basins or trains, a separate sample should be sent from each basin or train. Combining samples may compromise the findings as these will be reported as an “average” for the composite, which may not correctly diagnose problems.

For lagoons, a 500 ml sample is needed from each cell in series, to evaluate changes in the microbiology through the system. Samples should be collected from the end of each cell, preferably from a point of moving water at a transfer structure. Avoid sampling that includes bottom sludge.

Please ship by an overnight delivery service AM delivery to:

Michael Richard
2708 Redwing Road
Fort Collins, CO 80526-2850

Essential Information

Please be sure to include with the sample your name and return shipping address. Also include your phone and FAX numbers and an email address. Please state whether you prefer to receive the preliminary report by FAX or by email and any distribution list for other recipients. A short description of the problem is helpful. (See also information regarding billing below.

Turnaround Time

The turnaround time for the microscopic examination is usually 1-3 days, with a preliminary reply by FAX or email when the results are available, followed by overnight mail of results and photos. The anthrone test for polysaccharide is done once per week. Note that Dr. Richard travels about one week per month, and samples received while he is away will be properly stored and analyzed upon his return. You can email or call to get Dr. Richard’s availability, or simply send the samples and the analyses will be done as soon as possible.

Prices and Billing

The 2008 cost is $350 per sample for the microscopic examination and $200 per sample for the polysaccharide test. The cost for one lagoon sample is $350 but we offer a special price of $700 for three samples received at one time. Discounts are offered for multiple samples and standing-order purchase orders. Please call for details. All prices are in US Dollars.

Please include a PO or billing instructions and billing address with the sample(s). Payment terms are NET 30 days from date of invoice. Sorry, we do not accept credit card payment at this time.

Additional Services

Additional services provided include onsite troubleshooting, system engineering evaluations and services, special studies and training classes. Note that our schedule is busy and that onsite services may need to be planned well in advance.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact us at:

Phone: 970/223-6571
FAX: 970/223-6571

Email: michaelrichard@mrwwm.com

Upcoming Courses and Presentations

Dr. Richard conducts filament identification courses and seminars widely around the country several times per year. Course announcements will be given here when available.

Filament Identification and Process Control in Activated Sludge
October 23-24, 2008

This two day workshop will cover the microbiology of activated sludge systems and will provide the participant with hands-on training in microscopic identification and assessment techniques for poor floc formation, dispersed growth, bacterial foaming and filamentous bulking. Identification of filamentous bacteria in activated sludge will be emphasized.
For details see:
AWWS Seminars Page

2009 Oregon Filament Identification Class

Beginning and advanced filament identification classes will again be offered in association with METC in early August, 2009 in Corvallis, Oregon. Exact dates have not been set yet. Courses have been expanded and upgraded with enough phase contrast microscopes for everyone with no microscope sharing.
For course descriptions and details see:
Filament ID Course

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New Publications

Several of Dr. Richard’s publications may be of interest to you. New are:

Manual on the Causes and Control of Activated Sludge Bulking, Foaming and Other Solids Separation Problems, 3rd Ed., 2003, D. Jenkins, M. Richard and G. Daigger. Order through
www.crcpress.com. (Direct link)

Activated Sludge Microbiology Poster and Troubleshooting Guide, M. Richard and R. Marshall.
Click here for more information
Order through www.metcgroup.com