Testing Services

Why not send in your wastewater samples for expert analysis at our fully equipped laboratory.  Our team of scientists will provide a full, expert analysis on your samples and compile a scientific report for your records.  All our tests are performed on our laboratory instrument, the  Strathtox, using activated sludge from a local municipal wastewater treatment plant.  Strathkelvin Instruments offers this service for customers who do not wish to carry out the tests themselves, either because they do not have the facilities or they need the results independently verified. Please contact us for prices. All of our work is carried out to the company’s stringent quality control standards, with results explained.

Tests Offered

Immediate Toxicity             Respiration Inhibition Test     or     Nitrification Inhibition Test

3-Hour Exposure Toxicity    Respiration Inhibition Test     or      Nitrification Inhibition Test

Nitrification Inhibition Tests

Immediate Tests – Observes any inhibition in respiration of the activated sludge, when exposed to varying concentrations of potentially toxic wastewater.  % Inhibition – a quick test which provides a quick shot of toxicity compared against a control cell.

Respiration Inhibition Tests

Immediate Tests – Observes any inhibition in respiration of the activated sludge when exposed to varying concentrations of potentially toxic wastewater. % Inhibition – a quick test which provides a quick shot of toxicity compared against a control cell.

Acclimitisation Assays

We can carry out longer assays to determine whether your activated sludge needs a period of time exposed to new waste streams before they are acclimatised.
The Respiration Inhibition Test and the Nitrification Inhibition Test involve the calculation of the EC50, EC20 and EC10, derived from an inhibition v concentration curve, using five concentrations of the wastewater.  This is critical in determining the magnitude of the toxicity effect and the rate at which the toxic water should be fed into the tanks to minimise damage to the sludge bacteria.

The 3 Hour exposure test is more useful if heavy metals toxicity is suspected, since bacteria take longer to display toxicity to these.

Contract Testing

You can send samples on a regular basis to allow you to get an accurate report on how your treatment is operating.  Call for competitive rates.

 Dispatch Details

Samples of 500ml – 1 litre should be dispatched to us in a sealed and well packaged containers.  Please give us 24 hours notice of dispatch, by email, and ensure that the notification contains your purchase order number, and specifies the type of test(s) to be carried out.

Effects of Toxicity

Toxicity in wastewater treatment plants can have a huge effect on the daily operations.  Toxicity can lead to bulking, deflocculation and failure to meet consents; resulting in negative publicity and financial penalties.