The MiL, Inc.`s environmental lab, is an independent, full-service microbiology laboratory, providing a broad range of microbial and biochemical analytical services targeted to the environmental industry. Our laboratories are staffed with skilled and internationally recognized Ph.D. microbiologists and Ph.D. biochemists. Lab services include the isolation, enumeration, identification and R&D analyses of environmental microorganisms using leading edge technologies. Consulting services are focused towards method development and validation, bioremediation feasibility studies and testing for soils and wastewaters, bacterial genetics, soil nutritional analysis, specialized chemistries, and regulatory issues. Our diversified and worldwide customer base includes Fortune 500 companies, environmental engineering and consulting firms, dedicated bioremediation service providers, manufacturers and distributors of microbial cultures, marketers of nutrients and surfactants, research groups, and local, state and federal regulatory entities including many national laboratories.
Bacteria and their enzymes, along with some fungi and critical nutrient additives are cost effective agents for in-situ remediation of hazardous wastes and subsurface pollution in soils, sediments and wastewaters. The ability of each bacteria strain to degrade toxic waste depends on the nature of each contaminant. Since most sites are typically comprised of multiple pollutant types, the most effective approach to bioremediation is to use a mixture of bacterial species/strains, each specific to the degradation of one or more types of contaminants. It is critical to monitor the composition of the indigenous and added bacterial consortium in order to evaluate the activity level of the bacteria, and to permit modifications of the nutrients and other conditions for optimizing the bioremediation process. High end, analytical microbiology and chemistry lab instrumentation and trained scientific staff are provided by the MiL to effectively monitor the bacteria population activity, nutrient chemistries and ambient conditions during all optimized bioremediation phases.
At the MiL, Inc., our scientists developed the 48-hour, Endpoint Assay Bioremediation Feasibility Test. This test predicts site closure date estimates and is offered in response to the need for a faster and more precise way to evaluate bioremediation as a method of restoring contaminated land and groundwater. We were the first service laboratory in the United States to offer both Gas Chromatography Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (GC-FAME) and Biolog analyses. Together, these analyses along with our DNA sequence identifications and quantitative real-time PCR assays are the most accurate techniques to identify bacteria from environmental sources. The GC-FAME method with our extensive databases, identifies individual bacteria species down to the strain level, based on the fatty acid content of their cell walls. The Biolog method provides a characterization of the bacteria species according to how efficiently the microbe consumes targeted carbon sources. Rapid, computerized GC FAME and Biolog identifications and confirmations are available within 24 hours of receipt of samples. Our extensive microorganism databases, include aerobic and anaerobic bacteria strains, actinomycetes, yeasts, molds, and other fungi, ensures the most timely and accurate identifications available. We identify and quantitate populations of chlorohydrocarbon degraders including Dehalococoides species by qPCR. The MiL, Inc. is USDA recognized and has the permits to receive soil and groundwater samples from foreign countries and restricted areas in the U.S. Send Fedex samples in a cooler for rapid same day testing. We are also registered as a select agent laboratory for anthrax research.
Specific services include
- Biofeasibility Studies
- Characterization of Biodegrading Microorganisms
- Bioremediation Monitoring
- Microcosm Treatability Testing
- Wastewater Biotreatment
- Consulting Services
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