One-stop microbiology management now available as LuminUltra acquires InstantLabs
The aquisition enables one-stop microbiological management using a new combination of technologies and expertise. Learn more.
LuminUltra Blog
The Overlooked Importance of Calibrating Your Enzyme
One of the major benefits of LuminUltra’s 2nd generation ATP monitoring over existing technology (i.e. ATP pens) is the normalization of enzyme activity. At the microbiological level, knowing how active the enzyme is at the time of testing offers significant benefits for both data collection and analysis. Given this, LuminUltra’s 2nd Generation ATP test… Read More
Most Wanted Microbes – Methanogens
From the editor: This is the thirteenth post in an ongoing series profiling microorganisms of particular significance in water and wastewater systems. In this series we will cover microorganisms of many types including some that are beneficial, inhibitory and pathogenic. Methanogens are a group of microbes that produce methane gas through the breakdown of… Read More
Cocktail Party Examples – Microbiologically Induced Corrosion
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) causes billions of dollars in damage annually. MIC affects diverse industries including marine transportation and shipping, chemical and oil processing, power generation, water treatment, and aviation, among others. MIC results from cooperative metabolism between the microorganisms and metal surfaces that accelerate the corrosion processes. In short, specific microorganisms found naturally in… Read More
Most Wanted Microbes – Bacillus
From the editor: This is the twelfth post in an ongoing series profiling microorganisms of particular significance in water and wastewater systems. In this series we will cover microorganisms of many types including some that are beneficial, inhibitory and pathogenic. Bacillus is a genus of microbes that has many positive uses in various industries such as medical care, and veterinary care,… Read More
Amazing Water Resources
If you find it easiest to understand a new concept through some type of visualization, you’re not alone. If you happen to be a ‘visual’ person and have an interest in water, there are a ton of great resources available online that can bring out the map-geek and marine biologist in anyone. Here at… Read More
Most Wanted Microbes – Candidatus Accumulibacter
From the editor: This is the eleventh post in an ongoing series profiling microorganisms of particular significance in water and wastewater systems. In this series we will cover microorganisms of many types including some that are beneficial, inhibitory and pathogenic. Candidatus Accumulibacter is a phosphorus accumulating organism (PAOs), meaning it can store copious quantities of phosphorus under specific conditions in a process referred to as enhanced biological phosphorus removal. Systems that select for Candidatus… Read More
Am I Missing Something? A Look into the Dangers of Viable but Nonculturable Cells (VBNC)
The significance of viable but non-culturable (VBNC) cells is becoming increasingly evident. We revisit the importance of measuring them.
Most Wanted Microbes – Iron Reducing Bacteria (IRB)
While sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) are widely known as a major cause of MIC in carbon steel, other bacteria with different physiological properties have been identified as potential contributors in the corrosion process as well. Iron reducing bacteria (IRB), for example, are heterotrophic facultative anaerobes which reduce ferric ions to ferrous ions under anaerobic… Read More
No Grey Area to This Issue: Slimes of All Colours Can Cause Costly Problems in Papermaking Processes
Pink, orange, red, brown and grey – paper mill slimes can come in an endless range of colours. What contributes to these variances in colour?