MOLECULAR LABORATORY CAPABILITIES
Weston has long maintained its capacity to support state-of-the-art molecular biology analysis for our clients nationwide, including one of only two Microbial Source Tracking (MST) laboratories with a commercial EPA license in the nation.
Weston tackles key water quality issues including MST; development and implementation of bacteria total maximum daily loads (TMDLs); natural source exclusion and site-specific criteria studies; and detection of a suite of waterborne pathogens in support of quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA).
WESTON’S MICROBIAL SOURCE TRACKING CAPABILITIES
Study Design and Implementation
Adaptive management and phased implementation ensure a cost-effective, science-based approach.
Field Efforts 24/7
Capabilities for storm water monitoring and sewer spill response, special studies for TMDL solutions, site-specific criteria, and microbial water quality assessment.
In-House Laboratory Capabilities
Weston’s Molecular biology laboratory (overseen by Dr. Alexander Schriewer) provides quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Digital DropletTM polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) services to identify host fecal sources (e.g., human, dog, bird, cow, horse), indicator organisms (e.g., e. coli, enterococci, general bacteroidales), and pathogens (e.g., Human Norovirus, Enterovirus, Adenovirus, SARS-CoV-2). Protocols are aligned with EPA and State of California procedures and are customizable to client specifications.
The laboratory is fully equipped to quantify molecular targets in a variety of matrices such as soil and sediment, fish and shellfish, water and air filters, and all water types (e.g., groundwater, salt water, storm water, drinking water, wastewater).
In addition, the laboratory has extensive experience in conducting assay and method validation studies and performing custom laboratory studies, for example, decay or recovery studies.
KEY FEATURES
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Commercial EPA license for various assays
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Rigorous QA/QC analog to chemical analytics
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MIQE compatible results
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Matrix inhibition assessment and process
controls in every sample -
ddPCR
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Reaction (ddPCR) for absolute gene
quantification
MOLECULAR SERVICES
(qPCR and ddPCR)
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Over 30 targets
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MST (e.g., human, dog, bird, cow, horse)
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Pathogen quantification
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Indicator organisms (e.g., e. coli,
enterococci, general bacteroidales)
APPLICATIONS
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Microbial Water Quality Assessment
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Sewer Spill Response Analysis
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Quantitative Microbial Risk
Assessment (QMRA) -
SARS-CoV-2 tracking in wastewater
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Storm Water Monitoring
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Site-Specific Criteria Assessment
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TMDL Solutions
The County of Los Angeles Public Works recently hired Weston Solutions to prepare a Green Alley Water Quality Master Plan to assist in transforming alleys into greener, safer, and smarter community spaces. Although the Green Alley Master Plan is primarily aimed at enhanced water quality and ground water recharge, other project objectives include reduction of heat island effects, access to open space and recreation areas, crime reduction, and increased pedestrian and bicycle mobility. 
To complete this forward-thinking project, Weston will perform desktop research, GIS screening, cost estimates, and conceptual engineering design. Project completion is estimated in early 2020.”