Most Wanted Microbes – Nitrifiers (a.k.a. Nitrosomonas)
From the editor: This is the fourth 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. Nitrification is a two-part process whereby ammonia is converted to nitrate. The first step… Read More
Test your water know-how
Everyone loves quizzes, right? Right. So, in honour of our 15th anniversary here at LuminUltra, here are 15 questions that’ll let you test just how much you know about water. 1. What’s the average pH level of fresh water? a) 3 b) 5 c) 7 d) 9 2. What percentage of the Earth’s… Read More
Most Wanted Microbes – Sulfate Reducing Prokaryotes
From the editor: This is the third 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. Sulfate Reducing Prokaryotes (SRP) are a class of microorganisms that reduce inorganic sulfur-containing compounds… Read More
Water Resources on the Web
Water is a topic that we all share an interest in. Whatever corner of the globe you’re from, water matters. This global interest is reflected in the quantity and quality of water resources available on the Internet. At LuminUltra, we try to stay on top of what’s happening, not just in the field of… Read More
Day Zero: When the taps run dry
May 11, 2018: The current estimate (as of February 7) for Day Zero for Cape Town, South Africa, when the municipal water distribution system will be turned off and residents will need to queue for water allotments at 200 distribution points. The current estimate for Day Zero was pushed back from April 16, 2018… Read More
Cutting back on chocolate this Easter? Here’s one more reason why you should
Just one week ago, on March 22nd, we celebrated World Water Day, where organizations, companies, and individuals from around the globe drew attention to the importance of water and the significant challenges we’re facing in the 21st century. Water pollution and large-scale water shortages have already left 2.1 billion people without access to safe… Read More
What is a linearity check and why should you perform one on your luminometer?
Before our PhotonMaster luminometers head out the door they are all rigorously checked in our hardware lab; sensitivity and linearity tests confirm that all units meet the required specifications for background levels, low detection limits and linearity. The linearity check confirms that the curve (Light output vs ATP standard concentration) is linear from 0.01… Read More
Why you should clean your luminometer, and how to do it the right way.
One of the key components of any analytical method is the detector. In the case of ATP testing, that detector is a photomultiplier tube located inside our luminometer which is tasked with the important role of measuring the amount of light produced from the reaction between ATP and the Luminase enzyme. And while our… Read More
Most Wanted Microbes – Kouleothrix (a.k.a. Roseiflexus)
From the editor: This is the second 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. Kouleothrix is a filamentous organism found in wastewater treatment systems. They appear as thread-like… Read More
Lead in Drinking Water: Should I Be Concerned?
The water crisis of Flint, Michigan has brought the issue of lead in drinking water back into the public eye. While the overall health implications of the crisis are yet to be seen, recent research published in Lancet Public Health by Dr. Bruce P. Lanphear of Simon Fraser University has shed light on the… Read More