You may have seen information on using molecular tools or genetic testing in wastewater treatment systems. While 15 years ago, this was either unavailable, expensive, and not useful, things have changed, and Aster Bio’s Microbial Community Analysis (MCA) test gives you deep information about the microbial workers in your system and provides signals on population changes.
Myth 1- the data/results are too complicated
Designed for people with limited time, Aster Bio’s report includes a summary based on vital wastewater functional groups and limits time required to understand the data. Additionally, Aster Bio’s technical input is always available to answer questions and help make the data useful.
Myth 2: molecular diagnostics tests are too expensive
White you get a complete microbial census of the “workers” in your system, the cost of Microbial Community Analysis (MCA) testing is less than many advanced wastewater tests done on a periodic basis. Most of our customers do tests monthly or quarterly to establish baseline trends. If making operational changes, it may be beneficial to run additional tests.
Myth 3: the lab takes too long to get the results back
Time is critical. Aster Bio’s in-house molecular lab gets MCA data back in 5 – 7 business days on standard turnaround time. For a small additional charge, we can rush the test results.
Myth 4: the information is interesting, but not useful in daily operations
Is having information on nitrifier health other than effluent ammonia/nitrite residual useful? MCA tests give information on both desirable and undesirable microbial populations. The sensitivity of molecular testing can detect changes before any other used testing method.