Ask The Expert: Heterotrophic Plate Count Analysis

Ask the Expert Question:
What is the purpose of the Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) analysis and is it a replacement for Total Coliform analysis? What are the action limits for the HPC analysis?

TestAmerica Expert: Alex Spears


Expert's Response:
The purpose of the HPC (heterotrophic plate count) test is to determine the total heterotrophic (environmental) bacteria load present in the water sample, and is not used in lieu of the total coliform test, as the total (and fecal) coliform tests are used in determining the possible presence of pathogens in the water. The EPA action limit for potable (drinking) water is 500 cfu/mL. More information about the EPA guidelines and action limits can be found at http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/index.cfm#3.

View Alex Spears's expert profile

TestAmerica Indianapolis is the Latest Addition to Midwest Facilities

TestAmerica Laboratories, Inc. announces the opening of a new location, TestAmerica Indianapolis, which will facilitate organizing on-time sample delivery and local access to TestAmerica’s regional laboratories in Valparaiso, IN, Chicago, IL, Dayton, OH, as well as its nationwide network of laboratories for specialty analyses including air, dioxins, sediments and a vast array of analytical capabilities.

TestAmerica Indianapolis offers clients support for sample bottle pick-up and delivery in the Metro Indianapolis area. The staff will coordinate the shipping of samples within TestAmerica’s network of specialty laboratories to meet any client’s analytical needs.

Ms. Melissa Hamer-Bailey has assumed the role as the TestAmerica Indianapolis Manager. Ms. Hamer-Bailey has extensive experience in the environmental testing industry, serving as a professional environmental consultant, Board Member to the Indiana Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals, and Senior Environmental Manager at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), in her previous roles. Ms. Hamer-Bailey has developed applied expertise in the areas of quality assurance, sampling and analysis plan development, risk assessment and management.

“TestAmerica is excited to expand our service and support to the Indianapolis area to provide both new and existing clients more convenient access to our network of analytical offerings. We are also pleased to have Ms. Hamer-Bailey join our team. She brings to TestAmerica her expertise in both the regulatory and consulting aspects of our industry to assist our clients in their project needs,” states TestAmerica’s General Manager of Midwest Operations, Rusty Vicinie.

For additional information on the services available, please contact TestAmerica Indianapolis at (317) 264-9686.

About TestAmerica
TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm in the United States, with over 90 locations providing innovative technical expertise and comprehensive analytical testing services. Specialty analyses include source, ambient and indoor air, water quality and aquatic toxicity, compliance, desalination, shale gas, specialty organics, emergency response, industrial hygiene, dioxins, drinking water, sediments and tissues, PPCPs and emerging contaminants, explosives, Federal/DoD, and radiochemistry and mixed waste testing.

TestAmerica affiliate companies include EMLab P&K, the leader in analytical microscopy and indoor air quality; QED Environmental Systems, Inc., the leading supplier of groundwater sampling equipment and remediation pumping systems; and TestAmerica Air Emissions Corp. (METCO Environmental), specializing in air emissions testing. TestAmerica currently employs nearly 2,800 professionals dedicated to exceptional service and solutions for our clients’ environmental testing needs.

Visit TestAmerica at the NEBC's 15th Annual Business & the Environment Conference

November 8-9, 2011
Portland, Oregon
www.businessandenvironment.org

TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm, providing comprehensive analytical testing, including analyses for sediments, drinking water, PCB, and dioxin/furan. TestAmerica companies provide services in indoor air, air emissions, and remediation products.

Stop by Booth # 45 to learn more about:

TestAmerica's DoD ELAP Accreditation

Northwest and Alaska TPH methods (VPH and EPH)

Sediment testing and supported programs

Specialty analytical techniques for the Pacific Northwest Region

Call for more information on TestAmerica's technical expertise and capabilities:
Portland Laboratory
(503) 906-9200

Seattle Laboratory
(253) 922-2310

Spokane Laboratory
(509) 924-9200

Ask The Expert: Indoor Mold Issues

Ask the Expert Question (1 of 3):
Does a wall area of 2'x2' of Stachybotrys or Aspergillus need to be contained?

TestAmerica Expert: Ariunaa Jalsrai


Expert's Response:
Indoor growth of Aspergillus, Stachybotrys, and other indicator fungi of water damaged environments warrants a risk assessment, which usually requires future investigation. Mold exposure does not always present a health problem indoors. However, some people are sensitive to molds. These people may experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation when exposed to molds. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Immunocompromised persons and persons with chronic lung diseases are at increased risk for opportunistic infections and may develop fungal infections in their lungs.

I am not an industrial hygienist; however, I would recommend removing the mold growth from the wall.

Question # 2 of 3:
The indoor air has 5 times more mold (Aspergillus) than the outdoors. Is this normal or anything to worry about?

Expert's Response:

Molds are very common in buildings and homes and will grow anywhere indoors where there is moisture. The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium and Aspergillus. In the indoor environment, Aspergillus can be found in household dust, building materials, ornamental plants, flower arrangements, tobacco, food and water. Some Aspergillus species can cause adverse health effects.

Approximately 20 species of Aspergillus have been reported as causative agents of opportunistic infections in humans. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most important opportunist and is commonly encountered in hospitals as well as other environments. Other species, such as A. flavus, A. terreus, A. niger, and A. nidulans, can also cause human infections. I would recommend performing speciation of Aspergillus.

Question # 3 of 3:
Should we mix the bleach a little stronger, say 1 part bleach to 5 parts of water or would the standard of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water be OK?

Expert's Response:
I am not a professional hygienist, so I could not answer this question, but The CDC provides excellent on-line resources: http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm.

For example, mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water.

View Dr. Ariunaa Jalsrai's expert profile