WET 220 - Water Microbiology

Credits: 3
Instructional Contact Hours: 4

Investigates more advanced water quality analytical techniques and the microbiology of water, including microscopic examination and identification of microorganisms commonly found in water supplies, water and wastewater treatment processes and polluted bodies of water. Water Quality Analysis lab work involves more advanced analytical procedures to determine nutrients, heavy metals and toxic materials. Focuses on lab safety and health, proper lab technique, representative sampling procedures, record keeping, data preparation and handling, and report writing. Continues field studies and analysis using Atomic Absorption and/or Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer instruments. Includes lab work involving organisms commonly found in water and wastewater samples and with specific bacteriological analytical techniques.

Prerequisite(s): READING LEVEL 2 and WRITING LEVEL 2 and MATH LEVEL 6 and WET 210 and WET 212 and WET 215 or permission from instructor
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 30 Lab Hours: 30
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: No

Outcomes and Objectives 1: Demonstrate a working knowledge and hands on experience with water and wastewater bacteriological methods, analytical procedure and concentration determination.

A. Describe and demonstrate the basic aseptic technique.

B. Perform both Total and Fecal coliform analysis using standard membrane techniques.

C. Perform "confirmed" bacteriological techniques for Total, Fecal and E-Coli organisms.

D. Have a working knowledge of the "multiple tube fermentation" analytical method.

E. Demonstrate good aseptic technique

F. Discuss the concept of concentration in terms of test accuracy and units of expression.

2. Can evaluate water samples and identify existing and predominant microorganisms.

A. 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.

B. 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.

C. 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.

D. Be able to discuss the impacts of pathogenic organisms on employee and public health.

3: Can set up and use a variety of inspection tools; including but not limited to microscopes, viewing scopes, magnifying glass,
projection equipment to evaluate and identify microorganisms.

A. Be proficient at the technique of preparing microscopic slides

B. Be competent at the set up of microscope and accessory equipment for microscopic determination of organisms in water samples.

C. Shall have a working knowledge of the sample enhancement techniques, including staining, used to better inspect and quantify
microscopic samples.

D. Be able to identify, by either scientific or common name, the microorganisms present in a sample.

4. Has hands on experience with the various analytical equipment used by water and wastewater laboratory personnel.

A. Have a working knowledge of the use and limitations of an analytical balance.

B. Be familiar with the various analytical "probes" available to today's lab staff.

C. 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.

D. Understand concept of wet chemistry analytical “colorimetry” and spectrophotometry.

E. Be familiar with operation and maintenance of p.H., conductivity and specific ion meters.

F. 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.

G. Understand the importanace of having on hand and properly using the appropriate accessory items: timers, glassware, cleaning
equipment, reagents, lab water, etc.

H. 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. Show proficiency at analyzing certain non-conventional pollutants: nutrients, metals, toxics.

A. Properly collect, preserve and store samples for analysis.

B. Conduct sample preparations, such as digestion, dechlorinations, acidification as may berequired per accepted analytical method.

C. Have hands on experience with “test kits”, “spot tests” and quick use field test gear.

D. Conduct a Total phosphorus test using the ascorbic acid method.

E. Conduct an Ammonia Nitrogen test

F. Conduct two metals tests from a list of those commonly found in water samples.

G. Conduct two toxics tests from a list of those commonly found in water samples.

H. 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.