Chapter 3 – Ryan Hennessy Wastewater Microbiology

Where do I collect the sample?
1) Usually the aeration basin outfall or splitter box from the aeration basins to the clarifier. If there is foam on the basin or other areas of the plant please collect it in a separate container and label where the sample is taken from. (foam analysis is complimentary and part of a micro-sample). Try to avoid having any foam in a mixed liquor sample and if possible collect in an area in which no foam is present.

2) Certain processes may require different sample locations. The most important thing is to have the most possible representation of the biomass at the end of biological treatment. For example in SBR processes collecting the sample in the final 15 minutes prior to the final settle/decant cycle is recommended. For MBBR processes the outfall of the aeration basin is usually representative and a good sample location. For lagoon systems generally, there is a sample port after each lagoon as the flow goes to the following lagoon cell. If there is any doubt on where the best place to collect a sample is it is best to call. A non-representative sample can lead to non-representative microanalysis.

3) Please do not mix samples from different aeration basins as this can lead to non-representative results. Note: if two aeration basins share a common RAS line they are usually very similar and a sample is taken from the aeration basin outfall should usually be representative. If two basins contain separate RAS lines they often behave as two separate plants. In these instances, we focus the micro report on one of the basins and compare the differences in the other basin at the additional sample basin cost ($50) rather than two separate reports at standard prices unless otherwise requested.
How much sample is needed?
1) 50 mLs is plenty. We generally recommend using the smallest plastic bottle that can be found and filling this up approximately 50% leaving some air space available and taping the lid shut for transit.
What is the best method of shipment?
1) Overnight (recommended), or 2nd-day priority mail. In the winter months in Wisconsin 2nd day priority occasionally leads to freezing which makes the sample non-representative so in these instances overnight is the safest option.

2) For shipping (and especially if shipping into the US from Canada) we recommend labeling the sample as a water sample as this can help avoid confusion in customs etc.
Is ice or any other preservatives needed?
1)No. Overnight or 2nd day does not generally change the characteristics of the sample. Please do not send coolers as due to the high volume of samples we do not return them.
What is normal turn-around time for samples?
1) Standard turn-around time for a micro report is 1-4 business days. If the expedited sample rate is selected the rate will not apply unless the sample results are available within 24 hours of us receiving the sample.

2) Anthrone testing is run in batches and generally once per week. Typical Anthrone test turn-around time is between 2-10 business days.

3) We encourage clients to send samples directly to a DNA company of their choice for the quickest turnaround and also to avoid the markup for our time associated with shipping etc. Our micro report turn-around times are within our control however for the DNA/micro-summary report we need to obtain the DNA results before the summary of DNA/micro reports can be issued. Depending upon which DNA labs are used, turn-around time is generally between 1-2 weeks, or with some companies or smaller labs can be up to a month or higher. We would like to remain neutral and offer our DNA/micro report summary using data from any DNA company. Please feel free to contact us directly for any questions or additional insight.
Where should the sample (s) be sent?
Ryan Hennessy Wastewater Microbiology

691 Greenbay Road
PMB #123
Neenah, WI 54956
Are credit cards accepted for payment?
1) Yes and processing fees are included in the rate of the micro so there are no additional/surprise fees.

-Oftentimes credit card payment can help avoid the paperwork in setting up a vendor etc.

3) Payment is also available with traditional methods. Please contact the website email address or Ryan’s email address if W9 forms, enrollment forms, etc. are requested and this can be arranged with accounting support.
Is troubleshooting advice offered in addition to lab/microscopy services?
1) Yes. We do not charge additional time for follow-up questions and a short call about the sample/ discussing potential operational suggestions. Should the amount of time on the phone become cumbersome we make arrangements on a case-to-case basis if the time should be included. No time is billed unless previously discussed/ agreed upon.
Where is information available on training classes?
1) On-site training rates are $2,000 per day plus travel expenses (lump sum quote). We have a high amount of good quality phase contrast microscopes that can be brought or shipped to the plant and recommend a class size limit of 15 people for hands-on training to enable everyone to get adequate time. We prefer not to have more than 1-2 people per scope.

Due to the high volume of samples that we process we are able to save up a week or two worth of samples and participants can work backward identifying known filament types eventually analyzing unknown samples. For any type of training, we tailor the training to meet the individual needs of the client and are flexible in formulating agendas. Remote process control classes are also available upon request.