Microbiology
Our laboratory is ELAP certified to conduct microbiological testing for total and fecal coliforms and enterococcus bacteria using both multiple tube fermentation and IDEXX methods.
| Parameter | Method* | Holding Time | Temperature |
| IDEXX | |||
| Total Coliform | SM 9223 B | 6 hours | 4° C |
| Escherichia coli | SM 9223 B | 6 hours | 4° C |
| Enterococcus | SM 9230 D | 6 hours | 4° C |
| Multiple Tube Technique | |||
| Total Coliform | SM 9221 B | 6 hours | 4° C |
| Fecal Coliform | SM 9221 F | 6 hours | 4° C |
| Enterococcus | SM 9230 B | 6 hours | 4° C |
*SM: Standard Methods for the Examination of Water & Wastewater, 2012
Particle Size Analysis
Sediment and stormwater particle size distributions are measured using a Horiba LA920 laser diffraction particle size analyzer in accordance with Standard Methods 2560 C (APHA, 1998). The analyzer is capable of measuring particle sizes ranging from silt and clay (<0.5 μm) up to course sand (2,000 μm).
| Particle Size | Method* | Holding Time | Temperature |
| Matrix Water | SM 2560 D | ASAP | 4° C |
| Matrix Sediment | SM 2560 D | 6 months | 4° C |
*SM: Standard Methods for the Examination of Water & Wastewater, 2012
Taxonomic Services
We provide sorting and identification services for benthic marine, freshwater and estuarine invertebrates, as well as periphyton (algae) and ichthyoplankton.
- Invertebrates – Our taxonomists are members of the Southern California Association of Marine Invertebrate Taxonomists (SCAMIT) and the Southwest Association of Freshwater Invertebrate Taxonomists (SAFIT). In addition, we are active participants in all taxonomic quality assurance programs pertaining to the Southern California Bight Regional Monitoring Program.
- Periphyton (Algae) – our biologists identify both diatoms and filamentous (soft body) algae based on the most current California protocols. Ash free dry weight and chlorophyll a analyses are available upon request.
- Ichthyoplankton – sampling and identification of Southern California larval fish species.