Service description
The amount of nutrients available to microbes affects the growth of microorganisms in drinking water.
The most important nutrients for microbial growth are organic carbon and phosphorus.
Assimilable Organic Carbon (AOC) refers to the amount of organic carbon in the water sample that is directly available to microbes as an energy source and as a carbon source for cell formation.
Microbially Available Phosphorus (MAP) refers to the amount of inorganic and organic phosphorus in the water sample that microorganisms can take up from water to build their cellular structures and maintain their metabolism.
The customer takes and delivers the water samples to THL’s laboratory of water microbiology in Kuopio. Sampling and Shipping
Assimilable Organic Carbon (AOC)
In the AOC analysis, two bacterial pure cultures — Pseudomonas fluorescens P17 and Aquaspirillum sp. NOX — are added to parallel samples, and their growth is monitored on R2A agar plates.
The amount of AOC is determined based on the maximum number of colony-forming units produced by the sample water.
Microbially Available Phosphorus (MAP)
In the MAP analysis, the bacterial pure culture Pseudomonas fluorescens P17 is added to parallel samples, and its growth is monitored on R2A agar plates.
The test conditions are adjusted with inorganic and organic (acetate) nutrient solutions so that only the phosphorus concentration limits the growth of the test organism.
The amount of MAP is determined based on the maximum number of colonyforming units produced by the sample water.
Who we provide the service for
THL analyses microbial nutrient levels in water as a service for customers, such as municipalities and waterworks.
What you can expect from us
Results are reported immediately after they are completed, typically about 14 days after the analysis begins. The test report and invoice are delivered electronically approximately two weeks after the results are ready.
Pricing
The customer pays both the shipping costs and the analysis costs. Billing information must be provided to THL when placing the analysis order using the order form. The order form must be completed and submitted to the laboratory before the analysis can begin. THL sends the invoice after the test report has been delivered. VAT 25.5% is added to the prices.
| Assimilable Organic Carbon (AOC) | € 174,14 (VAT 0%) |
| Microbially Available Phosphorus (MAP) | € 160,68 (VAT 0%) |
How to use the service and contact us
- Always arrange sample shipment in advance and inform the laboratory of the expected arrival time in Kuopio.
- Send samples as express parcels so that they arrive the morning after sampling.
- The sender pays both freight and delivery.
Contact details: [email protected]
Updated: