Resources and assistance for Laboratories

BOD resource

Welcome to the "Ultimate" BOD Resource. This web-based application is the culmination of eight years of training in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. To begin, simply click on a major subject button below or from the links at the side.

About BOD

A brief history of BOD including its origin and alternatives.

Sample handling

Sample handling information including holding time, preservation and storage information.

Sample pre-treatment

Information about the required preliminary testing associated with BOD.

Equipment & supplies

A look at the supplies and materials associated with BOD testing.

DO probe options

A look at DO probes and recent advancements.

Calibrating a DO meter

Perhaps the most important aspect of BOD testing: how to properly calibrate the DO meter and ensure acceptable blanks and QC.

Pressure adjustments & calibration

More detail regarding calibration. Specifically deals with how barometer pressure relates to calibration.

Method details

Information on specific aspects of BOD testing and method details including sample measurement and reporting.

BOD dilution water

Having good quality dilution water is critical for BOD testing. This section tells you how.

Seed & seeding issues

A detailed look at the importance of seed organism to BOD testing. Best sources of seed, how much to use and seed correction factor information.

Nitrifiers, nitrification and cBOD

A discussion of nitrification and the need to perform cBOD testing.

BOD sample toxicity/sliding BODs

How to determine if you have a toxic sample or if it looks like toxicity, but is something else.

BOD quality control

An overall summary of QA/QC requirements for BOD testing. Covers blanks, GGA, seed controls, replicates, control limits, and outlier testing.

Troubleshooting BOD results

Typical problems encountered in BOD testing and how to solve them.

Other BOD resources

A list of available books, websites and tools to guide you in your BOD testing.

Copyright 2006. University of Wisconsin Board of Regents.
Unauthorized use prohibited without the expressed written consent of the UW, State Laboratory of Hygiene and the DNR Laboratory Certification & Registration Program.

Forms

Many frequently requested documents are available for downloading.

Form description	PDF format	Alternate format
Federal Employer ID (FEIN): Required for new or change-of-ownership applications. State Administrative Codes require that we obtain the FEIN of all individuals/businesses subject to any form of licensing.	[PDF]
Application Form - Main: This is the main application form required for all application types	[PDF]
Application attachment A1 (Aqueous): Application attachment which indicates technologies and analytes being applied for in the AQUEOUS matrix.	[PDF]
Application attachment A2 (Solid): Application attachment which indicates technologies and analytes being applied for in the SOLID matrix.	[PDF]
Application attachment B (Small WWTP labs): Application attachment which indicates all of the technology - analyte combinations typically applied for by WWTP labs (NOTE: this is for the Aqueous matrix only).	[PDF]
Chain-of-custody form: Sample chain-of-custody form that meets all the requirements of revisions to ch. NR 149.	[PDF]	[XLS]
Corrective action log form: Sample corrective action log form that meets all the requirements of revisions to ch. NR 149.	[PDF]	[DOC]
Equipment Maintenance Log Form: Sample equipment maintenance log form that meets all the requirements of revisions to ch. NR 149.	[PDF]	[DOC]
GEMS Comma Delimited Electronic Submittal Format: Provides required GEMS data elements and comma-delimited format.	[PDF]
LOD/LOQ Calculation and Validation Worksheet: Spreadsheet that can be used to determine LOD (MDL) according to EPA criteria (40 CFR Part 136 Appendix B).		[XLS]
AutoPipet calibration verification worksheet: Spreadsheet that can be used to document quarterly verification of autopipets.		[XLS]
Newly received chemicals logbook: Spreadsheet that can be used to track chemicals upon receipt in the lab.		[XSL]
Reagent/Standard preparation logbook: Spreadsheet which can be used to provide traceability for reagents or standards prepared in the lab using one or more chemical reagents.		[XLS]

Checklists

Method checklists

The focus of these checklists is to cover procedures or requirements that are specifically mandated by code or method. They do not cover good lab practices and may not cover every single requirement. It remains the lab's responsibility to ensure that all proper procedures are followed. However, labs may find that the checklists are a good self-auditing tool to make sure there are not any major requirements being overlooked. Your auditor will review these requirements at an evaluation, but they will also go beyond these lists to provide required changes and procedural recommendations that should improve your lab results.

Available checklists

Download a checklist from the following table.

Checklist	Excel (.xls)	PDF
BOD & cBOD checklist	[XLS]	[PDF]
TSS checklist	[XLS]	[PDF]
Ammonia checklist	[XLS]	[PDF]
Total phosphorus checklist	[XLS]	[PDF]
WWTP QC checklist	[XLS]	[PDF]
Full WWTP checklist Set	[XLS]	[PDF]

Benchsheets

These are benchsheets we have developed to assist your lab in compliance with NR 149 requirements. Benchsheets have been designed to address all critical method and code requirements for documentation and traceability.

Please note that benchsheets do change over time. Benchsheets are one of those things that can always be improved upon, so check this page frequently for updates. If the page has been updated in any way, the "Revised Date" at the bottom of the page will change.

Analytical benchsheets

Download a benchsheet from the following table.

Benchsheet	Excel (.xlsx)	PDF
BOD (and cBOD) benchsheet	[XLSX]	[PDF]
TSS benchsheet - Dry overnight (>8 hrs) Use this benchsheet if you dry samples overnight.	[XLSX]	[PDF]
Ammonia (ISE) benchsheet (NOTE: this file contains macros and requires the "Solver" Add-In)	[ZIP]	[PDF]
Ammonia (Colorimetry) benchsheet	[XLSX]	[PDF]
Total P benchsheet - includes initial calibration	[XLSX]	[PDF]

Other QC-related spreadsheets/forms

Download a benchsheet from the following table.

Benchsheet	Excel (.xls)	PDF
Pipet quarterly calibration worksheet	[XLS]	[PDF]

Methods

This page is split into three parts: (1) actual methods that are somewhat unique to the state of Wisconsin; (2) some supporting documents that are helpful; and (3) a list of excellent web resources to help you locate methods.

Download a method from the following table.

Method	Format & link
Water extractable phosphorus (WEP): Method for water extractable phosphorus (WEP) in biosolids. [March 2004] Pennsylvania State University Dept. of Agricultural and Biological Engineering	[PDF]
Wisconsin DRO method: Method for Wisconsin Diesel Range Organics (DRO) Procedure and Requirements. [September 1995]	[PDF]
Wisconsin GRO method: Method for Wisconsin Gasoline Range Organics (GRO) Procedure and Requirements. [September 1995]. Also includes PVOC (Petroleum VOCs) requirements.	[PDF]

Methods support information

Download method support information from the following table.

Document	Format & link
BOD - Dilution Chart: Table to determine which dilutions are best for a particular sample based on expected BOD	[PDF]
BOD - DO Saturation Chart: Table to determine which dilutions are best for a particular sample based on expected BOD.	[PDF]
WSLH Ammonia Distillation Study: Copy of the study performed by the State Lab of Hygiene to demonstrate that distillation is not required for domestic wastewater effluents. If you analyze wastewater and do not distill your samples because of this study, then you are required to have a copy of this study on file.	[PDF]
HACH Ammonia Distillation Study for Ammonia by Test n' Tube: Copy of the study performed by the HACH company to demonstrate that distillation is not required for domestic wastewater effluents. If you analyze wastewater and do not distill your samples because of this study, then you are required to have a copy of this study on file.	[PDF]
How to Apply for Phosphorus: Document produced by Laboratory Certification staff which outlines precisely what is required to apply to add phosphorus testing to your certification or registration. The concepts apply globally to any other testing you wish to add.	[PDF]
PCB Screening in Drinking Water: The regulated parameter for drinking water is PCBs as decachlorobiphenyl. Labs are allowed, however, to screen for PCBs as Aroclors in certain circumstances. This document outlines requirements and criteria required to be certified to perform PCB screening of drinking water.	[PDF]
Interference Correction for ICP-OES: The simple reality is that approved methods for ICP-OES do a poor job of explaining how to address interference correction and, more importantly, how to properly and defensibly evaluate whether or not your correction routine is sufficient. This document highlights 20 critical things to know about interference correction and assessment.	[PDF]

Web methods resources

The links below will take you to the web sites maintained by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The department does not endorse the ideas, organizations or products listed at these sites. These sites are presented as a tool to locate information on the Web.

• National Environmental Methods Index (NEMI): EPA and USGS online database of methods and procedures for both regulatory and non-regulatory monitoring purposes for water, sediment, air and tissues.
• Manual for the Certification of Laboratories Analyzing Drinking Water: Fifth Edition PDF (209pp, 4M) EPA 815-R-05-004, January 2005
• Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste Physical/Chemical Methods: SW-846, United States Environmental Protection, Office of Solid Waste, including updates and new methods.
• EPA CWA Analytical Test Methods Home: The Methods collection contains all approved and other unapproved test methods for Clean Water Act testing. Also includes alternative test procedure approval and validation procedures.
• National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP): This site was designed to provide easy access to EPA's publications and simple navigation to other services which may aide you in locating environmental information.
• DNR Biomonitoring Manuals and information: The State of Wisconsin Aquatic Life Toxicity Testing Methods Manual and other information on the Departments Biomonitoring Program.
• Evaluation of Dredged Material, Proposed for Discharge in Waters of the U.S.: Testing Manual, Inland Testing Manual, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water (4305) Department of the Army, US Army Corps of Engineers, EPA 823-B-98-004, February 1998.
• Lake Michigan Mass Balance Study Methods: Describes the sampling and analytical methods used in the Lake Michigan Mass Balance Study Methods Compendium. The compendium is organized into three volumes that describe sampling procedures used in the study and analytical procedures used by the Principal Investigators.
• Monitoring, Sampling, and Analysis, Office of Underground Storage Tanks, EPA: A crucial part of cleanup actions is accurately and carefully measuring progress toward cleanup levels by monitoring sites, taking samples and analyzing these data to measure progress toward that goal.
• Index to EPA Test Methods, EPA: Index to EPA Test Methods, 2003 edition, is also available in Portable Document Format).
• Links to Sources of EPA Test Methods on the Internet, EPA Region I: Links to various EPA methods including air methods, lead in paint, monitoring well sampling, etc.
• Analytical Methods Developed by the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water: EPA Safe Drinking Water Act methods 300.1, 314.0, 314.1, 317.0, 326.0, 327.0, 331.0, 515.3, 515.4, 526, 527, 531.2, 532, 552.3, 556, and 556.1.
• EPA's Field Analytic Technologies Encyclopedia (FATE): This online encyclopedia is intended to provide information about technologies that can be used in the field to characterize contaminated soil and ground water, monitor the progress of remedial efforts, and for confirmation sampling and analysis for site close out.

Guidance

General guidance documents

Download general program guidance documents

Document/Description	PDF format	Alternate format
2015 LOD/LOQ Guidance Document: This document interprets the Laboratory Certification Program's policy on LOD and contains helpful hints and suggestions to assist laboratories determine realistic, defensible LODs and LOQs.	[PDF]
The inter-relationship of LOD, LOQ and Calibration (2015): While the issues of detection and quantitation are important, one could make a solid argument that they are both meaningless in the absence of a robust calibration. We focus intently on details of the LOD and LOQ, yet there are no equivalent detailed requirements of the calibration which is required to obtain these values.	[PDF]
Guidance on interference correction for ICP-OES: 2014.	[PDF]
ATP protocol & criteria (EPA): Protocol for EPA Approval of New Methods for Organic and Inorganic Analytes in Wastewater and Drinking Water	[PDF]
Guidance on the use of discrete analyzers under EPA Clean Water programs: 2005 EPA memo provides recommendations on the use of discrete analyzer instrumentation.	[PDF]
Tests for drinking water from private wells: Department of Natural Resources publication. This brochure gives information about several common contaminants found in private wells. It should help you decide when to sample your well and how often, how to find a certified laboratory and who to call for help.	[PDF]
Initial Demonstration of Capability (IDC) requirements: Suggestions for meeting the NR 149 requirements for initial demonstration of capability (IDC) when methods do not specify such requirements.	[PDF]	[DOC]
Guidance on ignitability & reactivity testing of solids: Information from the DNR Waste Program that answer frequently asked questions regarding waste characteristic testing.	[PDF]
Required LODs for BOD & TSS: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources guidance for how to report LODs for BOD & TSS. Addresses concern that permittees inconsistently report BOD and TSS "less-than" results.	[PDF]
Procedure for dealing with outliers: Simple procedure for identifying outlier data.	[PDF]
Outliers - Grubbs test example: Step-by-step example of identifying outlier data using Grubbs test.	[PDF]
PCB guidance for biosolids: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources memo to permittees recommending a new analytical scheme for analysis of municipal and industrial biosolids which may contain low levels of PCBs. Contains detailed analytical and landspreading schema.	[PDF]
Pipette performance check SOP: Sample SOP from the WI State Lab of Hygiene for performing required quarterly verification of calibration for autopipets.	[PDF]
Pipet verification calculations: One-page handout showing the calculations required to verify pipet accuracy	[PDF]
Pipet verification - table of "z" factors: Table of "z" factors used in calculation of pipettor accuracy.	[PDF]
QC Required for small WWTP: Handout summarizing required QC for the four basic wastewater parameters: BOD, TSS, ammonia and total phosphorus.	[PDF]
BioSolids and s. NR 151.07(2): Guidance on how the application of wastes (biosolids, sludge and septage) impact the application of other nutrients, e.g., commercial fertilizer or manure, applied in accordance with a nutrient management plan developed under NR 151.07.	[PDF]
Acceptable weight determinations for TSS testing: TSS methods require weighing samples to "constant weight." To ensure program consistency, this letter clarifies available options constituting acceptable weight determinations for TSS.	[PDF]
VOC monitoring in Wisconsin - which analytes are required?: To assist laboratories doing VOC testing, the Laboratory Certification Program put together a list of 68 commonly requested VOCs by all DNR programs. This is not an all-inclusive list.	[PDF]

Guide to 2008 NR149 revisions

The following information can and should be used to help you develop procedures required by changes to NR 149 or to provide you with basic information regarding the structure and operation of the Laboratory Certification Program.

Information in this guidance will be updated over time. Please make sure to revisit this page and check to make sure you have the latest published version.

NR 149 Summary Web Applet
The web page link above will pop open a new window that provides a cursory glance of major sections of the laboratory certification administrative rule (NR 149). Clicking on a link will pop up a smaller window which explains the rule in greater detail.

Quality manual template (4th Ed., June 2008)

The example Wastewater Treatment Plant Laboratory Quality Manual is designed to provide an example of the minimum documentation needed to fulfill the requirements of NR 149.37. This manual is not designed to be a complete guidance document for commercial laboratories, as it is written based on the analytical testing requirements associated with small wastewater treatment plants only.

Document/Description	PDF format	Alternate format
Quality manual template: This is an example quality manual, and its intent is to demonstrate one way in which the requirements of NR 149.37 can be met. It is the responsibility of each facility to develop and follow their own unique quality manual.	[PDF]	[DOC]

Download general program guidance documents.

Document/Description	PDF format	Alternate format
Program administration	[PDF]	[DOC]
Program "key dates" calendar	[PDF]	[DOC]
Application process	[PDF]	[DOC]
Proficiency testing (PT)	[PDF]	[DOC]
Sample management	[PDF]	[DOC]
Audit process	[PDF]	[DOC]
Equipment maintenance
Support equipment	[PDF]	[DOC]
Calibration	[PDF]	[DOC]
Quality control
LOD & LOQ	[PDF]	[DOC]
QC sample types & sequence	[PDF]	[DOC]
WWTP QC sequence	[PDF]	[DOC]
Corrective Action	[PDF]	[DOC]
Records & Traceability	[PDF]	[DOC]
SOP (Standard Operating Procedures)	[PDF]	[DOC]
Appendices
On-site evaluation SOP	[PDF]	[DOC]
NR149 -Plain language version	[PDF]	[DOC]

Training

Training & workshop materials

Beginning in 1998, the Laboratory Certification program has been involved with developing and presenting training sessions on a wide array of subjects. You will find, below, links to a PDF copy of handouts from these sessions. The handouts match the PowerPoint slides from the sessions.

• Ammonia & Phosphorus
• Balances
• Back to Basics [(General Chemistry, Lab Practices)]
• BOD
• Calibration
• Chemical Additions
• Chlorine & Disinfection
• Distance Learning
• Hexavalent Chromium
• ICP & ICP/MS
• Lab Math
• Mercury, Ultra-Trace
• On-Site Evaluation Process
• Operator Certification Exams
• PCBs
• Pipettor Calibration
• QA/QC
• Reagent Water Requirements
• Reporting Requirements

Either browse through all the tables below or use the links above to jump directly to a portion of the table that interests you.

Ammonia & Phosphorus

Document/Description	Year	Format
The Phosphorus Rule - Impact on Lab Testing: Discusses the 2010 Phosphorus rule, LOD needs, and capabilities of various analytical techniques to achieve new LODs. Reviews means to lower TP LODs.	2011	[PDF]
Ammonia & phosphorus update: Updated session on ammonia (ISE) and phosphorus (Colorimetric, manual).	2002	[PDF]
Ammonia & Phosphorus original: Original session on ammonia (ISE) and phosphorus (Colorimetric, manual).	2001	[PDF]
Phosphorus LOD study: Report on the ability to achieve required LODs under the new DNR phosphorus rules.	2011	[PDF]

Balances

Document/Description	Year	Format
Balance Use & Verification: More in-depth review of critical considerations when using analytical or toploading balances.	2002	[PDF]
The videos below are actually part of the "Back to Basics" (2003) training for general lab practices but seem better fits in this section.
Analytical Balance Stability: Doors Closed: This short video demonstrates analytical balance stability with both doors closed.	2003	[WMV]
Analytical Balance Stability: 1 Door Open: This short video demonstrates how analytical balance stability is compromised when only a single "weighing door" is opened.	2003	[WMV]
Analytical Balance Stability: 2 Doors Open: This short video demonstrates how analytical balance stability is further eroded when both "weighing doors" are opened.	2003	[WMV]
Analytical Balance Stability: 2 Doors Open w/ movement nearby: This short video demonstrates the effect of small drafts -even from nearby movement - on the reliability of an analytical balance when both "weighing doors" are open.	2003	[WMV]
Vibration Impact on a Toploader: Another short video demonstrating the effect of vibration on toploading balance stability.	2003	[WMV]
Vibration Impact: Analytical Balance w/o Damping Pad: Short video demonstrating the effect of vibration on an analytical balance that is not stabilized with a damping pad. This balance is situated on a solid countertop only.	2003	[WMV]
Vibration Impact: Analytical Balance w/Damping Pad: Short video demonstrating the effect of vibration reduction on an analytical balance that is is stabilized with a damping pad. This balance is situated on a marble damping pad.	2003	[WMV]
Balance Vibration Impact Test: Short video demonstrating the conditions used to evaluate vibration effects.	2003	[WMV]
Balance Use & Verification: An overview of proper care, maintenance, and use of analytical balances.	2003	[PDF]

Back To Basics (General Chemistry, Lab Practices)

Document/Description	Year	Format
Basic Lab Practices: Covers a diverse array of topics including Glassware Generalisms, Solution Solutions (Preparing Standards Perfectly), Proper Pipetting Principles and Balance Basics.	2006	[PDF]
General Chemistry Relationships: Reviews the importance of General Chemistry Relationships (pH, alkalinity, and hardness) in water and waste treatment, particularly disinfection. Also provides a good background on arsenic and treatment options for private wells.	2002	[PDF]

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

Document/Description	Year	Format
BOD Quality Control Issues, Toxicity, and Nitrification: This session covers GGA troubleshooting as well as BOD toxicity. Most significantly, this session focused on nitrification and BOD and "what does nitrification look like?".	2010	[PDF]
BOD "201": More detailed than BOD "101"; more in-depth review of critical BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) issues.	2006	[PDF]
BOD "101": An extensive look at the BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) test, one of the most difficult tests to perform.	2002	[PDF]
BOD Data & Loading Fees: Full Title: Using BOD and COD Data to Assess Loading Fees. Presented real data showing how COD and BOD can be used to help municipalities determine chargeback fees, particularly when toxicity is involved.	2007	[PDF]

Calibration Considerations

Document/Description	Year	Format
The Use of Higher Order Calibration Functions: This document provides an overview of concerns related to forcing a calibration through the origin, the use of curve weighting functions, and the use of non-linear algorithms.	2001	[PDF]

Chemical Additions Monitoring for Water Supplies

Document/Description	Year	Format
Chemical Additions for Water Supply Systems: Interestingly enough, certification is NOT required to test for chlorine residual, phosphate, and fluoride as part of the chemical additions monitoring for municipal water. Concerns about that led to this training session which was repeated a number of times.	2001	[PDF]

Chlorine & Disinfection

Document/Description	Year	Format
Fundamentals of Chlorine Chemistry and Disinfection: Covers the fundamentals of chlorine chemistry as it relates to disinfection. Shows data to support that even low levels of chlorine are effective against bacteria and viruses.	2007	[PDF]
Simplifying Total Residual Chlorine Testing: Covers the analysis of total Chlorine residual (TCR) by both colorimetry (DPD) and ion selective electrode (ISE). Offers tips to get low LODs you need.	2006	[PDF]
Role of Chlorine in Dealing with Water Contamination: Covers chlorine efficacy, chloramine formation, getting to breakpoint, "shock" chlorinating private wells and water systems, hypochlorite vs. chlorine gas.	2005	[PDF]
Secrets of Breakpoint Chlorination (color): Breakpoint chlorination made easy. Covers fundamentals of chlorine chemistry and how to test for and ensure you've reached breakpoint. (full color version)	2005	[PDF]
Secrets of Breakpoint Chlorination (b&w): Breakpoint chlorination made easy. Covers fundamentals of chlorine chemistry and how to test for and ensure you've reached breakpoint. (black&white version)	2005	[PDF]
Nuts & Bolts of Chlorine Chemistry: Done in concert with an E. coli testing session. Focus on why we need to chlorinate and dechlorinate, the effect of chlorine on E. coli, and provides in-depth review on how to test for chlorine residuals using the DPD and ISE methods.	2004	[PDF]
Getting the Best Chlorine Residual Data: Brief overview of critical considerations to ensure that the chlorine residual data you generate is of acceptable quality. Demonstrates ability to achieve TCR LOD of 0.037 ppm or less.	2003	[PDF]
DPD Colorimetric Testing for Chlorine: Thorough step-by-step presentation on analysis of chlorine residual using the DPD (colorimetric method. Also reviews spectrophotometry and calibration statistics. Produced as a summer intern project.	2003	[PDF]
Residual Chlorine Using DPD (Windows Media Video): Video (14:20) shows step by step preparation of calibration standards and analysis of calibration and standards using the DPD technique. "Vacu-vials" are used.	2003	[WMV]
Residual Chlorine Using DPD (QuickTime movie): Video (14:20) shows step by step preparation of calibration standards and analysis of calibration and standards using the DPD technique. "Vacu-vials" are used.	2003	[MOV]

Distance Learning

Document/Description	Year	Format
Technology for Creating Utility Training: Technology can be used to produce on-line (distance)training for water utility operators. Training can be designed to meet needs of water utilities and regulators.	2006	[PDF]

ICP & ICP/MS

Document/Description	Year	Format
ICP - You CAN'T Just Push Play (color): This session was devoted entirely to interference correction. including IECs, FACT, and MSF. A whole new PT challenge sample was constructed, as well as a "Real World" sample designed to show the need for internal standard adjustment when faced with a "matrix". Screen scans explain the reason(s) why labs had trouble with specific elements. 5.3Mb. Download this for viewing on a PC screen.	2014	[PDF]
ICP - You CAN'T Just Push Play (black&white): This session was devoted entirely to interference correction. including IECs, FACT, and MSF. A whole new PT challenge sample was constructed, as well as a "Real World" sample designed to show the need for internal standard adjustment when faced with a "matrix". Screen scans explain the reason(s) why labs had trouble with specific elements. 6.4Mb. Download this for printing to minimize use of toner.	2014	[PDF]
ICP - Secrets for Determining IECs: A shorter presentation focusing on the art of proper determination of interelement correction (IEC) factors for successful ICP analysis.	2008	[PDF]
Advanced ICP Tips & Techniques: This follow-up to the initial ICP training session focuses even more intently on interferences and background correction. The highlight of the session was the analysis, by participating labs, of a highly challenging PT sample designed by Wibby Environmental. Obtaining accurate results on "the Wibby" required a lab to be acutely aware of the myriad of interference problems associated with ICP technology.	2005	[PDF]
ICP from Ar to Zn: Excellent 2-day session covering basic aspects of ICP technology including theory, quality control, and a detailed section on interference identification and correction.	2003	[PDF]
Basic Principles of ICP/MS: Part of a 2-day ICP training session. The materials focus on providing an overview of ICP/MS technology including how the instrument operates.	2003	[PDF]

Lab Math

Document/Description	Year	Format
Fear No Math!: Lab Math is not as difficult as believed. This session covers an array of topics such as So- Do U Sudoku?, Allergic to Algebra, C1V1?R2D2, What did you Geomean by that?, Prozac for Linear Depression, The "Nerds" Equation, and Magical Math is not a Criss Angel Stunt.	2008	[PDF]

Mercury - Ultra Low

Document/Description	Year	Format
Low Level Mercury - Importance of Clean Sampling: Provides an overview of mercury contamination in the environment, closing with a detailed look at the "Clean Hands - Dirty Hands" technique for sample collection.	2005	[PDF]

On-site Evaluation Process

Document/Description	Year	Format
The Audit Aftermath - Helping you respond to an on-site evaluation report: Once the coffee and donuts are gone and the audit chemist has left the building the ball id firmly in your court. This workshop looks at the right (and wrong) ways to respond quickly to resolve any issues identified in your evaluation report.	2013	[PDF]

Operator Certification Exams

Document/Description	Year	Format
General Exam Study Tips October 2015: Tips for maximizing the Study Guides in preparation of taking Operator Certification exams. While the examples may be related to Laboratory, the concepts and principles apply to ALL exams.	2015	[PDF]
General Exam Study Tips: Preliminary info for all exam prep classes focuses on globally practical tips and tools for effective studying.	2015	[PDF]
October 2015-Studying for the *NEW* BASIC Lab Exam: Offers tips on how to study effectively for the BASIC Laboratory exam using the August 2015 Study Guide. This document highlights the key words and information discussed during the live training session on October 19, 2015.	2015	[PDF]
April 2015-Studying for the INTRO Lab Exam: Offers tips on how to study effectively for the Lab Intro exam including specific troublesome knowledges.	2015	[PDF]
April 2015 Studying for the ADVANCED Lab Exam: Offers tips on how to study effectively for the Lab Advanced exam including specific troublesome knowledges.	2015	[PDF]
Review of Key Knowledge of non-Lab Wastewater Exams: Offers tips on how to study effectively for general and specific wastewater subclass exams including specific troublesome knowledges.	2015	[PDF]
How to Study for the INTRO Lab Exam: Offers tips on how to study effectively for the Lab Intro exam including specific troublesome knowledges.	2014	[PDF]
How to Study for the ADVANCED Lab Exam: Offers tips on how to study effectively for the Lab Advanced exam including specific troublesome knowledges.	2014	[PDF]
Preparing for the New Operator Certification Lab Exam: Provides a brief history of operator certification exam generation and changes being made to study guides. Also provides a discussion of how to properly prepare for exams using study guides by applying reading for comprehension and mnemonic skills.	2009	[PDF]

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Document/Description	Year	Format
PCB Analysis: Laboratory Certification Concerns: Presents the key considerations for PCB analysis. Looks at the rationale for calibrating with a "16/60" mix.	2003	[PDF]
PCB Extract Cleanup: Why? How?: Focuses on the difficulties associated with analysis of PCBs in biosolids. Reviews types of cleanups and presents a recommended cleanup sequence best suited for biosolids.	2003	[PDF]
PCB Cleanup Summary: A handful of slides that summarize the recommended cleanup protocol for PCBs in biosolids showing "before" and "after" screen captures of the GC/ECD chromatogram.	2003	[PDF]

Pipet Calibration & Maintenance

Document/Description	Year	Format
Pipet Calibration Video: Video (5:08) shows step by step procedure for verification of auto pipet calibration. Windows Media Player (.wmv) format.	2007	[WMV]
Calibration Verification of Mechanical Pipets: Presents the key considerations for verifying and documenting the calibration status of mechanical pipets.	2007	[PDF]
Mechanical Pipet Calibration SOP: Customizable SOP for the calibration verification of mechanical pipets.	2007	[PDF]
Mechanical Pipet Calibration Spreadsheet: Excel spreadsheet for documentation and calculation of mechanical pipet calibration.	2007	[XLS]
Pipet Calibration Form Annual): Form to document the annual calibration verification of mechanical pipets.	2007	[PDF]
Pipet Calibration Form (Quarterly): Form to document the quarterly calibration verification of mechanical pipets.	2007	[PDF]
Pipet Calculations: Summary of calculations required for the calibration verification of mechanical pipets.	2007	[PDF]
Pipet Z-Factors: Table of Z-factors required for the calibration verification of mechanical pipets.	2007	[PDF]

Quality Control/Quality Assurance

Document/Description	Year	Format
Calibration of Mechanical Pipettes in the Modern Wastewater Laboratory: Periodic calibration and preventive maintenance are, therefore, essential to ensure the integrity of laboratory results. This session shows step-by-step how auto-pipet calibration is verified, along with worksheets to use and documentation to retain.	2008	[PDF]
Everything you wanted to know about a Lab Audit... but were afraid to ask!: This session reviews what can be expected during a lab audit. The audit can be broken down to: opening discussion, general housekeeping, sampling concerns, a detailed review of methods, records review, and QA/QC.	2007	[PDF]
Using QC Information to Assess Data Quality: This session discusses the limitations and merits inherent to each QC sample type and how to use of this information to better enable you to decide when and how sample results need to be qualified.	2005	[PDF]
Advanced QA/QC for Lab Testing: A very detailed look at QA/QC, notably containing a different way to look at calculating spike recoveries (which are frequently done incorrectly). ** Please note that some information changed with the 2008 changes to NR 149 **.	2003	[PDF]
QA/QC for Lab Testing: This initial review of basic QA/QC includes step-by-step instructions for doing linear regression and other QC calculations using inexpensive calculators. * Please note that some information changed with the 2008 changes to NR 149 **.	2000	[PDF]

Lab Reagent Water Requirements

Document/Description	Year	Format
Reagent Water Concerns: in search of ultrapure water: A detailed review of reagent water criteria. Defines "ultrapure" water, reviews practicality of ASTM standard D-1193, explores the significance of conductivity and problems associated with it, outlines PRACTICAL reagent water monitoring tools and benchmarks.	2005	[PDF]

Reporting Requirements

Document/Description	Year	Format
How To Read & Interpret a Lab Report - What You Don't Know CAN Hurt You!: Reviews NR 149 requirements for reports and how to tell if a lab is properly certified to perform testing. Are subcontracted results properly noted? ...a labs LODs/LOQ adequate? Is this the correct analyte "list"? Resources available to labs and data users.	2009	[PDF]
DMRs and Qualified Data: Reviews how to properly report QC exceedances on a DMR. What anlytes require that LOD and LOQ be reported? Discusses the concept that qualified data does not mean bad data.	2002	[PDF]
How Do I Report THIS?!: Provides an overview of topics such as significant figures, how to report replicates, "<" and ">" results. Discusses specific data scenarios encountered with BOD and TSS.	2002	[PDF]