Microbiology
Microbial testing is necessary where human health is at risk of being adversely affected by biological pathogens, disease-causing bacteria, and other toxins.
Scope of test - Microbiology
Heterotrophic plate count
(22 degrees celcius, 35 degrees celcius and 37 degrees celcius) – count of microorganisms that require carbon for growth
Total coliforms
Group of total bacteria
Faecal coliforms
Bacteria that are present in the intestines and faeces of warm-blooded animals/humans
Escherichia coli (E. Coli.)
Bacteria that are present in the intestines and faeces of warm-blooded animals/humans. Common to test recreational and drinking water
Enterococci
Bacteria that are present in the intestines and faeces of warm-blooded animals/humans. Common to use in marine waters
Faecal Streptococci
Bacteria that are present in the intestines and faeces of warm-blooded animals/humans
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
A pathogenic bacteria found in soils, water, and plants
Staphylococcus aureus
A pathogen that can be passed from person to person, can be found in the environment and on food products
Parasitology
Protozoa: Giardia and Cryptosporidium
Parasites found in the gut of humans and animals
Helminth Ova
Infectious eggs of parasitic worms
Virology
Culturable Viruses: Entero and Adeno
Viruses that can cause a wide variety of illness in humans
Sample preparation: Hepatic & Norovirus
Preparation for these viruses with analysis subcontracted to another laboratory
F-specific RNA bacteriophage
Indicator test for viruses present within a sample
Algae
Phytoplankton including Cyanobacteria
Plankton that consist of microscopic plants, including microorganisms that have the potential to produce cyanotoxins
Algae Biovolumes
Total volume of water body that is take up by algae based on their differing sizes
Zooplankton
Small animals and immature larger animals
Aquatic biology
Macroinvertebrates and MCI assessments
Aquatic macroinvertebrates measurement, larvae, snail, worms etc used to measure stream health
Filamentous bacteria
Long strand shaped bacteria, commonly found in activated sludge systems but can also be found in the environment