The evaluation is performed on a fresh mixed liquor sample taken from the exit end of the aeration tank and examined microscopically as soon as practical. An Olympus BH2 microscope, equipped with an automatic camera system, and used with bright field, dark field, phase contrast, and differential interference contrast illumination (DIC), documents sludge quality. Observations and photomicrographs are recorded by an evaluator with 15 years of microscopic sludge evaluation experience.

A professional report with original photomicrographs documents mixed liquor conditions at the time the sample was evaluated. Reports are about 40 pages in length and include complete descriptions with pictures of sludge quality, filaments, protozoa, and metazoa found in the sample. Detailed features of sludge characteristics and microorganisms are recorded with the different illumination techniques and magnifications available. In particular, DIC produces excellent pictures of hard-to-photograph ciliates.

Services Offered

 Full assessment
      With complete report and 18"   24" color banner . . .$700.00
 Partial services
      Floc and filament assessment. . . . . . . . . . . . .$300.00
      Protozoa and metazoa assessment . . . . . . . . . . .$300.00
      Photomicrographs (48) with brief descriptions . . . .$150.00