Aquatic Sciences Laboratory Services
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction
- What do we test?
- What can be tested?
- Cryptosporidium and Giardia
- Taste and Odor
- Cyanobacteria/Blue Green Algae
- Algae/Phytoplankton
- Microscopic Particulate Analysis (MPA)
- Resistance to Algal Detachment
- Toxicity Testing
- Wastewater Biomass Analysis
- Special Projects
- Microplastics
- Aquatic Sciences Pricing Guide
- Aquatic Sciences Sampling Guide
Introduction
Aquatic Sciences
EMSL Analytical Inc., has contributed to the growth of the aquatic life sciences industry for the past 20 years. In 2012, EMSL created a unique Aquatic Sciences Division to compliment and expand its industryleading environmental microbiology testing capabilities. In 2019, our customer commitment to aquatic life science was reaffirmed with the construction of a brand-new aquatic sciences laboratory featuring improved efficiency design and state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation. EMSL’s Aquatic Sciences Division staff includes Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. degreed microbiologists and other dedicated scientists to deliver the highest quality data that EMSL customers have come to know and trust.
EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL’s network of nationwide laboratories has been providing quality analytical services since 1981. We offer a wide array of analytical testing services to support environmental investigations focused on asbestos, microbiology, lead paint, environmental chemistry, indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, materials characterization, radiochemistry, consumer products and food testing. Additionally, we also provide materials testing, characterization, and forensic laboratory services for a wide range of commercial, industrial, regulatory, and law enforcement clients.
What do we test?
Microbiology
- Cryptosporidium/Giardia (EPA 1623.1)
LT2 Testing - E. coli (MPN by SM 9223B)
- Microscopic Particulates Analysis (MPA)
- Aerobic Endospores (SM 9218)
- Enterococcus
- Fecal Streptococcus
- Legionella
- Total Coliform/Fecal Coliform
- Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC)
Toxicity
- Cyanotoxins/Blue Green Algal Toxins
EPA 546 - Algal Toxins
- Microtox®
Taxonomic Identification &
Enumeration
- Algae/ Phytoplankton
- Cyanobacteria/Blue Green Algae
- Diatoms
- Zooplankton
Protozoa
- Cryptosporidium/Giardia
- Amoeba
- Naegleria fowleri
Taste and Odor
- MIB/Geosmin
- Algal Identification/Enumeration
- Cyanobacteria/Blue Green Algae
Biomass
- Chlorophylls (Method 446.0, SM 10200 H)
- Algal Biovolume
- Ash Free Dry Weight
Resistance to Algal Defacement
(ASTM D5589)
Wastewater Biomass Analysis
(Filamentous Bacteria)
Bacterial Abundance and Viability
Microbial Source Tracking
(Whole Genome Sequencing)
Diversity Indices
For additional services not listed, please
contact the laboratory directly:
AquaticSciences@EMSL.com
What can be tested?
Please refer to the table below for acceptable sample matrices by test. Please contact the laboratory directly with further inquiries.
| Category | Description | Drinking Water | Surface Water | Groundwater | Wastewater | Others |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microbiology | LT2 Testing: Cryptosporidium/Giardia (EPA 1623.1) E. coli (MPN by SM 9223B) | |||||
| Microscopic Particulates Analysis (MPA) | ||||||
| Aerobic Endospores (SM 9218) | ||||||
| Legionella | ||||||
| Total Coliform/Fecal Coliform | ||||||
| Enterococcus | ||||||
| Fecal Streptococcus | ||||||
| Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) | ||||||
| Taste and Odor | MIB/Geosmin (SM 6040D) | |||||
| Algal Identification/Enumeration | Any Substance | |||||
| Cyanobacteria/Blue Green Algae | Any Substance | |||||
| Toxicity | Cyanotoxins/Blue Green Algal Toxins EPA 546 Algal Toxins | |||||
| Microtox® | Soil/Sediment Products |
|||||
| Taxonomic Identification and Enumeration | Algae/ Phytoplankton Cyanobacteria/Blue Green Algae Diatoms Zooplankton | Any Substance | ||||
| Biomass | Chlorophylls (Chlorophyll a, b, c, pheophytin a, and Phycocyanin) Method 446.0, SM 10200 H | Call | ||||
| Phytoplankton Biovolume | ||||||
| Ash Free Dry Weight | Attached Algae | |||||
| Protozoa | Cryptosporidium/Giardia Acanthamoeba Naegleria fowleri | |||||
| Others | Wastewater Biomass Analysis (Filamentous Bacteria) | |||||
| Resistance to Algal Defacement ASTM D5589 | Films/Coating Painting |
|||||
| Bacterial Abundance | ||||||
| Microbial Source Tracking (Whole Genome Sequencing) | ||||||
| Diversity Indices |
Cryptosporidium and Giardia
Cryptosporidium are tiny, little protozoan pathogens found naturally in water. When it is ingested, it can cause a wide range of manifestations, from asymptomatic infections to severe, life-threatening illness. Typical gastrointestinal illness includes diarrhea, vomiting, or cramps
A laboratory must be certified to perform testing for Cryptosporidium.
EPA Method 1623.1: Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Water by Filtration/IMS/FA
EMSL Test Codes: M640–M643
EMSL is fully approved by the U.S. EPA for LT2* rule (Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule) Cryptosporidium monitoring program using EPA Method 1623.1. EMSL is an industry-leading laboratory with the largest sample capacity for LT2 testing. EMSL holds certification for the following states: AL, AR, CA, CT, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NE, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, and WY. While the LT2 rule regulates only Cryptosporidium in surface waters, the EPA 1623.1 method is designed to detect both Cryptosporidium and Giardia.
- Turnaround time options are 3 days to 2 weeks
- Sample courier available in select NJ, NY, and PA service areas
- Filtration apparatus for filter samples (EMSL Product ID: CGA0007)
- State agency delivery of results
- Turnaround Time: 3 days, one week, two weeks
- Sampling: 10 L (bulk or filtered), 50 L (filter only)
- Shipping: Overnight on ice with temperature monitoring device
- Holding time: 2 days from sample collection to the laboratory (4 days total)
- Sampling supplies:
*Customers may qualify for free sampling supplies based upon project size.
Taste and Odor
There are many causes and sources for taste and odor problems in drinking water. The most sources are organic and derived from algal blooms in surface water.
Step 1
Geosmin and MIB (SM 6040D)
EMSL Test Code: M617
Geosmin and 2-Methyl-Isoborneol (MIB) are compounds having a very strong, earthy taste and odor. They are naturally produced by some types of algae and bacteria and can be detected by human noses at very low levels (above 10 ppm). They cannot be removed from water using normal treatment processes.
- Turnaround Time: 3 days, one week, two weeks
- Sampling and Shipping: Two 40 mL samples without any air bubbles in bottle(s), overnighting on ice
- Holding time: 3 days without preservatives and 7 days with preservatives
Sampling supply
Product ID:
87M0014
$3.85
or free
(Contact us)
Step 2
Algae Identification
EMSL Test Codes: M601 and M602
To confirm the possible source in the water, algae, including cyanobacteria (blue green algae), can be identified and enumerated at both genus (M601) and species level (M602). See here for details.
Step 3
Biomass Analysis
EMSL Test Codes: 605, M606, M612, M614, M615, M616, M624
The last step is to quantitatively estimate the biomass of cyanobacteria and algae. The simplest way is to analyze the dry weight (M612). For more detailed results, chlorophylls are great option, which include chlorophyll a, b, c, pheophytin a, and Phycocyanin (M614, M615, M616, and M624). Furthermore, for some research purpose biovolume is required (M605 and M606). See here for details.
Cyanobacteria/Blue Green Algae
Cyanobacteria are a group of bacteria, although they are traditionally included among algae because both are photosynthetic organisms. Cyanobacteria therefore is also called blue green algae. Cyanobacteria may cause harmful agal blooms (HABs). There has been an increase in harmful agal blooms. Some HABs are associated with algae-produced toxins.
M623 Comprehensive Cyanobacteria Analyses (3 tests) is your first choice for HAB.
Step one: M601 Algae/Cyanobacteria Identification at genus level
Turnaround Time: One week or two weeks
Sampling supplies: Product ID: 87LM001 (free)
Holding time: 48 hours
Sampling and Shipping: 1 L of water and shipping overnight on ice to the lab.
Step two: M618 Microcystin – most common cyanotoxin (EPA546)
Turnaround Time: One week or two weeks
Sampling supplies: Product ID: 87M0014
Holding time: 2 weeks
Sampling and Shipping: 40 mL of water and shipping overnight on ice to the lab.
Step three: M614 Chlorophyll a and Pheophytin a – to quantitatively analyze
Turnaround Time: One week or two weeks
Sampling supplies: Product ID: 8714202 (free)
Holding time: 48 hours
Sampling and Shipping: 2 L of water and shipping overnight on ice to the lab.
Additional tests for more details
- Additional cyanotoxins: M619 Cylindrospermopsin, M620 Saxitoxin, M625 Anatoxin-a
and others - Cell density: M603 Phytoplankton identification and enumeration at (genus level)
M604 Phytoplankton identification and enumeration (species level) - Chlorophylls: M616 Chlorophyll a, b, c and Pheophytin a
M624 Chlorophyll and Phycocyanin
We can do much more, please contact us and let us help you.
Algae/Phytoplankton
Algae are the simplest plant-like organisms found in the aquatic environment and perform photosynthesis as cyanobacteria.
Algal Identification
Algal Identification options:
- M600 Division
- M601 Genus
- M602 Species
- M603 Species level
Fresh water and marine water algae:
- Diatom
- Cyanobacteria (Blue green algae)
- Green algae
- Dinoflagellate
- Red algae
- Brown algae
- Golden algae
Turnaround Time: One week or two weeks
Sampling supplies: Product ID: 87LM001 (free)
Holding time: 48 hours
Sampling and Shipping: 1 L of water and shipping overnight on ice to the lab.
Algal Biomass Analysis
Chlorophyll identification:
- M614 Chlorophyll a only
- M615 Chlorophyll a & Pheohytin a
- M616 Chlorophyll a, b, c & Pheohytin a
- M624 Chlorophyll a & Phycocyanin
Cell density/enumeration (cells/mL):
- M670 Total count
- M603 Genus level
- M604 Species
Turnaround Time: One week or two weeks
Sampling supplies: Product ID: 8714202 (free)
Holding time: 48 hours
Sampling and Shipping: 2 L of water and shipping overnight on ice to the lab.
Microscopic Particulates Analysis (MPA)
MPA is applied to determine groundwater under the direct influence of surface water (GWDI) (EPA 910-9- 92-029, Oct. 1992) and assess performance of a surface water treatment plan (EPA 910/R-96-001, Apr. 1996)
MPA involves the identification, sizing, and population estimates of microorganism and organic or inorganic debris found in water.
Turnaround Time: One week or two weeks
Holding time: 48 hours
Sampling and Shipping: At least 500 Gallons for ground water; at least 1000 liters for filtered water; shipping overnight on ice to the lab.
Sampling supplies:
Product ID: CGA0020, $20.00 USD
Filtration equipment rental:
Product ID: CGA0019, $75.00 USD weekly
Resistance to Algal Detachment (ASTM D5589)
Defacement of paint and coating films by algal growth is a common phenomenon under certain conditions. This test method attempts to
provide a means to comparatively evaluate different coating formulations for their relative performance under a given set of conditions, such as lighting, temperature, and humidity.
At EMSL, we simulate the required testing conditions to evaluate resistance of films, coatings, or other materials to evaluate the resistance to algal detachment.
Turnaround Time: 4 weeks
Holding time: None
Sampling and supplies: No special requirement
Toxicity testing
MicrotoxTM
MicrotoxTM is an in vitro test system that uses bioluminescent bacteria Vibrio fisheri for the detection of toxicity in water. MicrotoxTM is used is used as a screening system to detect the relative toxicity of a sample. The results are normally expressed as an effective concentration (EC) values or as a % inhibition compared to a control.
Advantages
- Sensitive to more than 2,700 different simple and complex chemicals
- Rapid – results available in as little as 15 minutes
- Cost-effective
- Excellent correlation with whole organism toxicity test lethal dose values
MicrotoxTM Partial List of Toxic Compounds Detected
Strychnine
Arsenic
Sodium Cyanide
Potassium Cyanide
PR-Toxin
Aflatoxin
Rubratroxin
Ammonia
Benzoyl Cyanide
DDT
Formaldehyde
Carbaryl
Trinitrotoluene (TNT)
4-phenyl Toluene
Pentachlorophenol
Paraquat
Cyclohexamide
Quinine
Botulinum Toxin
Lead
Mercury
Selenium
Chromium
Copper
Ochratoxin
Chloroform
Sodium Lauryl
Sulfate
Lindane
Cresol
Malathion
Flouroacetate
Parathion
Carbofuran
Patulin
Diazinon
Cadmium
Dieldrin
Applications
Water and Wastewater
Drinking water
Industrial effluent
Industrial process waters
Municipal effluent
Storm water
Others
Biological toxins
Eco toxicological samples
Medical products for bioreactivity
Solids
Hazardous waste
Soil
Sediments
Turnaround Time: 3 days, one week, two weeks
Sampling supplies: Product ID: 87M0014
Holding time: None
Sampling and supplies: 40 mL of water and shipping overnight on ice to the lab.
Wastewater Biomass Analysis (filamentous bacteria)
Do you encounter problems with your wastewater treatment systems such as foaming, sliming or bulking flocs that are difficult to settle or dewater? It is very important to perform the microscopic biomass analyses of a wastewater treatment system and understand the organisms, including higher life forms and filamentous bacteria. The detailed wastewater biomass analysis will indicate the mechanisms behind the flocs, including low DO, Low F/M, low pH, low nutrients, septicity, and grease and oil.
Turnaround Time: 3 days, one week, two weeks
Sampling supplies: Product ID: 8714206 (free)
Holding time: 48 hours
Sampling and supplies: 500 mL of wastewater and shipping overnight on ice to the lab.
Special Projects/Research & Development
- Customized growth studies
- Product validation studies (anti-algal claims)
- Product efficiency studies (such as ASTM G29)
We can do much more,
Please contact us and let us help you.
aquaticsciences@emsl.com
800-220-3765
Microplastics
Microplastics are defined as any plastic particle less than 5mm in size in any one direction. There is no defined lower size limit however, convention and instrument capability generally dictate 1 micron diameter.
Primary microplastics consist of manufactured raw plastic material, such as plastic pellets used to manufacture parts and micro-beads which have application in a wide range of products such as cleaning agents. Secondary Microplastics originate from larger plastic products or macro plastic fragments that have broken down due to mechanical, UV radiation or chemical means producing particles less than five millimeters.
Microplastics Sampling
Water samples may be collected in rinsed plastic or glass containers. Environmental samples such as lake and stream water, rain runoff, ponds and other silty bodies of water require a minimum of one liter. Cleaner waters such as seawater away from the wave break region, pools and potable water are better analyzed with a one-gallon minimum volume.
Soil and similar solids may be collected by shovel or applicable device and placed into a rinsed one-gallon Zip-lock™ style bags, buckets, or jars. Whenever possible submit a minimum sample approximately one liter in volume; however smaller amounts can also be analyzed when sample volume is limited. Beach sand is typically collected along the wrack line which is the point of high tide where sticks and other debris accumulate. This is also the point where the highest concentration of Micro-plastics is usually found.
Air samples may be collected using 0.1μm or 0.4μm polycarbonate filter cassettes. Flow rates may vary but a total volume exceeding 1000 liters is recommended for area samples. Personnel monitoring samples are typically run at 1.5 to 2.5 liters per minute for the intended test duration and are not subject to the volumes suggested for area sampling.
Food and beverages may be submitted in Zip-lock™ style bags, jars or, in the case of unopened food or beverages, in their original containers. Food and beverage samples should be shipped on ice (ice packs) in appropriate coolers for maintaining a cool environment during shipping.
Microplastics Analysis
Multiple reporting styles are available starting with the Basic Microplastics Analysis which includes total microplastics count and sizing information obtained by sieve and fluorescent microscopy to Full Microplastics Analysis which includes the polymer identification with size separation based upon the types of plastics observed. Macroplastics (size >5mm), if found, are also reported for informational purposes but not included in the sizing data.
Aquatic Sciences Pricing Guide
Please call for faster turnaround time requests.
| Category | EMSL Test Code | Description | 1 Week TAT | 2 Week TAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taste & Odor | M617 | MIB and Geosmin (SM 6040D) | $624 | $461 |
| Algae | M600 | Phytoplankton (algae) identification (division level) | $113 | $76 |
| M601 | Phytoplankton (algae) identification (genus level) | $212 | $139 | |
| M602 | Phytoplankton (algae) identification (species level) | $269 | $181 | |
| M603 | Phytoplankton (algae) identification and enumeration (genus level) | $394 | $263 | |
| M604 | Phytoplankton (algae) identification and enumeration (species level) | $627 | $420 | |
| M605 | Phytoplankton (algae) identification, enumeration, and biovolume (genus level) | $832 | $555 | |
| M606 | Phytoplankton (algae) identification, enumeration, and biovolume (species level) | $1,049 | $700 | |
| M614 | Chlorophyll a | $219 | $146 | |
| M615 | Chlorophyll a and Pheophytin a | $241 | $161 | |
| M616 | Chlorophyll a, b, c, and Pheophytin a | $286 | $191 | |
| M624 | Chlorophyll a and Phycocyanin | $253 | $169 | |
| M623 | Comprehensive blue green algae analysis | $694 | $466 | |
| M670 | Phytoplankton (algae) enumeration | $262 | $176 | |
| Toxins | M618 | Microcystin (Blue green algae/cyanobacteria) | $292 | $158 |
| M619 | Cylindrospermopsin (Blue green algae/cyanobacteria) | $439 | $291 | |
| M620 | Saxitoxin (Blue green algae/cyanobacteria) | $439 | $291 | |
| M622 | Brevetoxin (Red Tide) | $459 | $305 | |
| M625 | Anatoxin-a (Blue green algae/cyanobacteria) | $459 | $305 | |
| M626 | Microtox® analysis | Call | Call | |
| Protozoa | M640 | Cryptosporidium and Giardia (EPA 1623.1) | $1,161 | $852 |
| M641 | Matrix Spike for Crypto/Giardia | $1,250 | $927 | |
| M642 | Additional filter analysis (turbid samples) for Crypto/Giardia | $1,161 | $852 | |
| M643 | Additional subsamples (slide) for Crypto/Giardia | $314 | $208 | |
| Bacteria | M644 | Bacterial abundance (DAPI or AO) | Call | $250 |
| M660 | Aerobic Endospores | $314 | $208 | |
| Zooplankton | M645 | Zooplankton identification (major taxa) | $267 | $102 |
| M646 | Zooplankton total count (major taxa) | $250 | $84 | |
| M647 | Zooplankton identification and enumeration (major taxa) | $333 | $167 | |
| Environmental | M653 | Microscopic Particulate Analysis (MPA) | $1,250 | $861 |
| M654 | Wastewater biomass analysis | Call | Call | |
| M699 | Special Projects | Call | Call |
Aquatic Sciences Sampling Guide
| Category | EMSL Test Code | Description | Sampling Instruction* | Hold Time | Sampling Supplies Product ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taste & Odor | M617 | MIB and Geosmin (SM 6040D) | No air bubbles | 3 days w/o preservation; 7 days w/ preservation | 87M0014 |
| Algae | M600 - M606, M670 | Phytoplankton (algae) identification and/or enumeration | 1 L of water | 48 hours | 87LM001 |
| M614 - M616, M624 | Chlorophylls Method 446.0, SM 10200 H | 2 L of water | 48 hours | 8714202 | |
| M623 | Comprehensive blue green algae analysis (i.e., M601, M615 & M618) | 40 mL of water | 48 hours | 87M0014 | |
| 2 L of water | 48 hours | 8714202 | |||
| Toxins | M618 - M620 M622 M625 | Cyanotoxins and algal toxins EPA 546 | 40 mL of water | 5 days when refrigerated; > 5 days when frozen | 87M0014 |
| M626 | Microtox® analysis | Call | Call | Call | |
| Protozoa | M640 | Cryptosporidium and Giardia (EPA 1623.1) | 10 L of bulk | 4 days | CGA0024 |
| 10 or 50 L filtered | 4 days | CGA0027 | |||
| M641 | Matrix Spike for Crypto/Giardia | 10 L bulk | 4 days | CGA0024 | |
| Bacteria | M644 | Bacterial abundance (DAPI or AO) | Call | Call | Call |
| M660 | Aerobic Endospores | 125 mL of water | 30 hours | 87M007 | |
| Zooplankton | M645- M647 | Zooplankton identification (major taxa) | 1 L of water | 48 hours | 87LM001 |
| Invertebrates | M652 | Invertebrates, identification to major taxa, includes insects, nematodes, flatworms, annelids, and mollusks. | Call | Call | Call |
| Environmental | M653 | Microscopic Particulate Analysis (MPA) | 500 Gallons for groundwater; 1000 L for filtration plants | 48 hours | CGA0021 |
| M654 | Wastewater biomass analysis | 500 mL of water sludge | 48 hours | 8714206 |
*All samples should be shipped overnight on ice:
EMSL Analytical, Inc. – Aquatic Sciences Lab
200 Route 130 North
Cinnaminson, NJ 08077
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