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| Drinking Water | |||
| • | Drinking Water Services | ||
| • | Drinking water capabilities | ||
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| • | LT2 Testing & Compliance | ||
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| • | Emerging Pathogens | ||
| • | Giardia and Cryptosporidium Analyses | ||
| • | Legionella | ||
| • | Microscopic Particulate Analysis | ||
| • | Viral Analyses | ||
| • | Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Optimization Techniques | ||
Drinking Water Introduction
Analytical Services, Inc. (ASI) is recognized nationally as one of the leading environmental microbiological laboratories specializing in testing related to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Surface Water Treatment Rule (SWTR) and Information Collection Rule (ICR). Our microbiological expertise, combined with our hands-on water treatment experience, has allowed us to develop a client base throughout the United States and abroad. We have developed a reputation for providing high quality laboratory data and consulting services in a professional, user-friendly and cost effective manner – and look forward to the opportunity to serve you.
ProtozoaASI has been an EPA approved laboratory for detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia using the ICR protocol and has also participated in the EPA’s validation of Method 1622 and 1623 for both Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Method 1622/1623 incorporates capsule filtration for improved recovery of oocysts, replaces the ICR Percoll–sucrose flotation with immunomagnetic beads for improved sample clarification and includes vital dye staining as an additional oocyst confirmation step. ASI is currently optimizing a duplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) procedure for the simultaneous detection of both Cryptosporidium and Giardia. These improvements in analytical techniques will allow utilities to more effectively monitor their source and finished waters for the presence of these organisms. VirusesASI is one of the few laboratories approved by the EPA for of ICR viral analysis. Our Senior Scientist, Dr. Aaron Margolin, was awarded the EPA contract to develop and test the protocol used by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for preparation of the ICR Performance Evaluation (PE) samples. In addition to cell culture, ASI currently offers viral detection by PCR for water, wastewater and biosolids samples. PCR is highly specific and rapid, allowing results in 24 to 48 hours. Other advantages include PCR’s sensitivity (lower detection limits) and cost effectiveness. New & Emerging PathogensThe EPA has developed the Contaminant Candidate List (CCL) of potentially regulated microbes. ASI is developing and testing cultural and molecular (PCR) methods for CCL organisms and other emerging pathogens. We are also evaluating several new and emerging pathogens for addition to the suite of microorganisms used for challenge studies by our Drinking Water Treatment Unit (DWTU) validation team. Filtration Plant Optimization (FPO)Monitoring and optimizing treatment plant performance may be more critical than monitoring source or finished water for pathogens. ASI supports clients by providing Microscopic Particulate Analysis (MPA) for FPO, laser particle counting, Bacillus/aerobic spore techniques and zeta potential analysis. The FPO method involves collecting raw and treated water samples. Identifying, counting and size classifying the biological particulates in paired samples allows calculation of the log reductions achieved by treatment. An aliquot of each sample is processed separately for Cryptosporidium and Giardia. ASI has provided treatment plant performance evaluation and optimization services since 1989 and our senior staff is available for consulting on development of monitoring plans and data interpretation. Microscopic Particulate Analysis (MPA)Ground water sources that are under the direct influence of surface water (GWUDI) are considered to be at risk to waterborne pathogens and must be treated in compliance with requirements of the SWTR. MPA is one of several factors that states may consider in making the determination of whether or not a supply is GWUDI; other pertinent data are hydrogeological conditions, well construction records, well setback distances, and water quality data. MPA is based on identifying surface water “bioindicators” such as plant debris, algae, diatoms, insects, rotifers, Giardia and other particulates. The bioindicators are quantified and used to calculate a relative surface water risk factor. ASI has analyzed thousands of MPA samples since 1989 and has a comprehensive QA/QC plan that assures the high quality data upon which our clients rely. Consulting ServicesASI is available to perform consulting services for public drinking water issues including source water protection, pilot and full scale treatment plant validation and optimization and distribution system water quality. The qualifications of our senior staff, which include election to the editorial boards of leading publications such as Current Microbiology and The Journal of Clinical Microbiology, designation as Science Advisor to the New England Food and Drug Administration, appointment to the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Microbial Research Committee, EPA Approval as Principal Analysts for protozoan and virus analysis (3 for each), doctoral and other advanced degrees, etc., make ASI a valued and sought after partner in applied science and research projects. |
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P.O. Box 515
(mailing) Copyright © 2006 |
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