What is endotoxin? Endotoxins are tiny pieces found in the outer layer of some bacteria, especially ones like E. coli, Salmonella, and Pseudomonas. When these bacteria die or break apart, they release endotoxins […]
Author: Kiersten Garside
Enterococci
What is enterococci? Enterococci is a fecal coliform bacteria, similar to E.coli. It lives in the intestines of warm blooded mammals, including humans. While enterococci is healthy and naturally occurring, it […]
E.coli
What is E.coli? E. coli (Escherichia coli) is a bacteria and is in the fecal coliform subgroup. It lives in the intestines of warm-blooded mammals, including humans. While E.coli is […]
Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae)
What is blue-green algae? Blue-green algae is also known as cyanobacteria. However, this harmful “algae” is actually a bacteria. These bacteria are single-cell, microscopic organisms that are naturally occurring. They […]
Biochemical oxygen demand
What is biochemical oxygen demand? Biochemical oxygen demand is the amount of dissolved oxygen that has to be present in water to allow microorganisms to break down organic material. BOD is often […]
Chlorophyll A
What is chlorophyll A? Chlorophyll A is the photosynthetic pigment that causes the green color in algae and plants. The concentration in a body of water is directly related to […]
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen
What is total kjeldahl nitrogen? Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) is a measure of the amount of nitrogen in a sample of organic material, such as soil or water. It is […]
Total phosphorous
What is total phosphorus? Total phosphorus measures the concentration of inorganic phosphate ions dissolved in a sample of water as well as the quantity of phosphorus contained in the suspended […]
Nitrites
What are nitrites? Nitrites are a form of Nitrogen in a specific form during the nitrogen life-cycle. Nitrogen compounds dissolved in water are an important class of plant nutrients. Nitrite […]
Chloride
What is it? Chloride is a negatively charged ion that is formed when chlorine gains an additional electron. It is often found in the form of sodium and potassium salts, which are very […]