WET 220 - Water Microbiology

1. Demonstrate a working knowledge and hands on experience with water and wastewater bacteriological methods, analytical procedure and concentration determination.
   1. Describe and demonstrate the basic aseptic technique.
   2. Perform both Total and Fecal coliform analysis using standard membrane techniques.
   3. Perform "confirmed" bacteriological techniques for Total, Fecal and E-Coli organisms.
   4. Have a working knowledge of the "multiple tube fermentation" analytical method.
   5. Demonstrate good aseptic technique
   6. Discuss the concept of concentration in terms of test accuracy and units of expression.
2.  Evaluate water samples for predominant  microorganisms.
   1. By use of a practical and logical procedure, evaluate water samples for the presence of various types of microorganisms and/or other pollutants of concern.
   2. Be able to identify indicator organism that are or may be either beneficial or detrimental to the treatment process purpose, the incoming or raw water supply, drinking or potable waters and surface or groundwaters.
   3. Be able to explain why an organism is present at all, why it may be in predominance and either its beneficial or detrimental impacts on the water environment in which it is found.
   4. Be able to discuss the impacts of pathogenic organisms on employee and public health.
3. Use a variety of inspection tools to evaluate water samples.
   1. Be proficient at the technique of preparing microscopic slides
   2. Be competent at the set up of microscope and accessory equipment for microscopic determination of organisms in water samples.
   3. Shall have a working knowledge of the sample enhancement techniques, including staining, used to better inspect and quantify microscopic samples.
   4. Be able to identify, by either scientific or common name, the microorganisms present in a sample.
4. Use analytical equipment of water and laboratory personnel.
   1. Have a working knowledge of the use and limitations of an analytical balance.
   2. Be familiar with the various analytical "probes" available to today's lab staff.
   3. Has used some of the more advanced equipment such as atomic absorption (AA) and/or Gas Chromatography/ Mass Spectrophotometer (GC/MS) to determine presence and concentration of a known material.
   4. Understand concept of wet chemistry analytical “colorimetry” and spectrophotometry.
   5. Be familiar with operation and maintenance of p.H., conductivity and specific ion meters.
   6.  Be familiar with the operation of water baths, drying ovens, muffle furnaces, incubators and the other “common” types of equipment found in water and wastewater laboratories.
   7. Understand the importanace of having on hand and properly using the appropriate accessory items: timers, glassware, cleaning equipment, reagents, lab water, etc.
   8. Is proficient at making determinations using the correct mathematical formula, in the correct terms of expression and in the right context to professionally present findings.
5. Demonstrate ability to analyze non-conventional pollutants.
   1. Properly collect, preserve and store samples for analysis.
   2. Conduct sample preparations, such as digestion, dechlorinations, acidification as may  berequired per accepted analytical method.
   3. Have hands on experience with “test kits”, “spot tests” and quick use field test gear.
   4. Conduct a Total phosphorus test using the ascorbic acid method.
   5. Conduct an Ammonia Nitrogen test
   6. Conduct two metals tests from a list of those commonly found in water samples.
   7. Conduct two toxics tests from a list of those commonly found in water samples.
   8. Understand the health hazards that environmental lab personnel are commonlyexposed to and the steps that can be taken to minimize exposure, disease, illness and injury.