Laboratory analysis: Detection of E. coli in wastewater
Specific analysis of wastewater samples (sludge, effluent, activated sludge) for the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) as an indicator organism for fecal contamination. Detection is quantitative.
Qualitative or quantitative detection?
Absolute quantitative detection
What are the requirements for the sample to be sent in?
Wastewater samples from sewage treatment plant effluents, min. 500 ml
Please request information on sampling and shipping.
Your advantages
VIT® technology enables the targeted detection of individual microorganisms at population, genus or species level. The use of highly specific, rRNA-based gene probes ensures clear identification of the target organism directly in the sample.
The technology enables direct quantification of the target organisms in the sample. Using the VIT® Vision software, the population development can be recorded and reliably tracked over time. Even slight changes in the density of AOB and NOB become visible even before the first abnormalities in the process parameters become apparent. This enables proactive intervention - for example, if the nitrite oxidizers begin to decline, even before nitrite accumulates in the process.
The analysis is carried out without complex sample purification or enrichment: the microorganisms are hybridized directly in activated sludge or other environmental samples and then evaluated microscopically. This preserves the natural matrix - a major advantage over methods based on cell isolation or DNA extraction.
The VIT® gene probes hybridize only with intact, metabolically active cells, as only these have sufficient amounts of ribosomal RNA. This means that only living Escherichia coli are detected, while dead or inactive cells are excluded.
In contrast, PCR only detects DNA, regardless of whether the cell is alive or dead. This means that dead cells can also be detected in PCR analyses, which can lead to a considerable overestimation of the actual biological activity - particularly problematic in processes such as nitrification, where the functional potential is crucial.
Depending on the setup, it only takes a few hours from sample extraction to analysis. The hybridization is standardized, the analysis is performed by fluorescence microscopy and can also be carried out on site in routine environments. The evaluation and subsequent quantification can be carried out easily with the help of the VIT® Vision software.
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