Probiotic Solutions® is sponsoring a Wastewater Microbiology course with microbiologist & certified operator Dr. Toni Glymph-Martin in Arizona on April 11-12, 2023.

The 2-day in-person course will cover various key topics related to wastewater microbiology including, but not limited to, microscopy, filamentous bacteria, etc. Attendees will also get a chance to participate in various hands-on learning activities for a better understanding. To know more about the course, watch a 2.5-minute video of Heather Jennings, Director of Probiotic Solutions® and Dr. Glymph-Martin in which they discuss the course.

About the Instructor:
As a wastewater microbiologist and certified operator who has spent more than 40 years working, teaching, and researching in the field of wastewater microbiology, Dr. Glymph-Martin has gained considerable knowledge of wastewater treatment design and operation. She has also earned international recognition as an expert in her field, receiving numerous awards for her work. She is the author of Wastewater Microbiology: A Handbook for Operators, and A Wastewater Microbiology Laboratory Manual for Operators. More information about Toni and her work is available at https://www.wwmicrosolutions.com/.

Course Details:

  • Course Dates:
    April 11–12, 2023 (in-person, no virtual option)
  • Class Times:
    On-site Check-In on April 11, 7:30 am
    Classes: 8:30 am–4:00 pm, both days
  • Location:
    Bio Huma Netics, Inc.
    1331 Houston Ave.
    Gilbert, AZ 85233   Map
  • Fees and Registration:
  • As this course involves hands-on use of microscopes, attendees are encouraged (but not required) to bring their own microscopes and wastewater samples. We will try our best to accommodate the use of microscopes if your system does not have one to bring.
  • Registration Link: Eventbrite
  • The course fee is $450 per attendee. Payment can be made by using credit/debit card or by PayPal. You’ll be asked the following questions:
    • I will bring a microscope (encouraged but not required).
    • I will bring a wastewater mixed-liquor sample on ice (encouraged but not required).
    • I need CEUs/PDHs for attending this course.
    • I am a member of AZ Water or Rural Water Association of Arizona.

Course Sponsors:
Probiotic Solutions®, AZ Water Association, and Rural Water Association of Arizona


Day One Agenda, April 11

8:30–9:30 Introduction to Microscopy

  • Slide preparation
  • Sampling
  • Hands-on activity

9:30–11:00 Wastewater Microbiology

  • The Role of Bacteria
  • Growth Characteristics
  • Parameters Affecting Their Growth: Oxygen, Sludge Age, Food: Microorganism (F:M) ratio, Other Parameters
  • Hands-on activity

11:00–11:30 The Role of Protozoa and Metazoans

  • Parameters Affecting Their Growth
  • Identifying Protozoa and Metazoans

11:30–12:00 BHN Facility Tour

12:00–1:00 Lunch (On Your Own)

1:00–2:15 Process Control Using the Microscope

  • Dispersed bacteria
  • Protozoa & Metazoa: Relative Dominance
  • Slime Bulking & Nutrient Deficiency
  • Toxicity

2:15–4:00 Microorganisms Response to Unfavorable Conditions

  • Bacteria—Zooglea
  • Bacteria—Exocellular Lipopolysaccharide
  • Protozoa & Metazoans—Shelled (Testate) species

Day Two Agenda, April 12

8:00–8:45 What are Filamentous Bacteria?

  • Conditions That Favor Their Growth

8:45–9:00 Sampling and Staining

  • Slide preparation
  • Hands-on activity

9:00–10:00 Filamentous Bacteria Characteristics

  • Cell size and Shape
  • Sheath and Motility
  • Attached Growth
  • Sulfur Granules
  • Hands-on activity

10:00–12:00 A Simple Approach to Identification and Control

  • Bulking Filaments
  • Foaming Filaments
  • Staining
  • Hands-on Activity

12:00–1:00 Lunch (On Your Own)

1:00–2:00 Filamentous Bacteria Counting

  • Hands-on Activity
  • Case Studies

2:00–4:00 Microbiological Monitoring of EBPR Systems

  • PAOs, PHB, POLYp and GAOs
  • PHB and Neisser Staining
  • Quantifying PAOs and GAOs
  • Hands-on Activity

About the Author

Nick Cardona

I was born and raised in the heart of potato country in SE Idaho, but my family were not farmers. It’s a funny world that I am now far away from that ag community but am now working in the Ag Industry.

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