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Aster Bio lab bench during qPCR setup with pipettes and tube racks

In-House Laboratory

Environmental Lab Services

Aster Bio's environmental laboratory testing informs what microscopic exams and conventional methods cannot. Combining field experience in advanced biochemistry and wastewater treatment, we provide testing complete with actionable reports tailored to your wastewater treatment unit.

Lean on Aster Bio microbiology experts to analyze and focus on the important microorganisms and the ways they may impact your operations. Make timely decisions — and save money — by understanding and controlling your biomass composition.

Request a Collection Kit Test Drive Our Data

Turnaround times

MCA Results Standard

5–7 business days

MCA Results Rush

24–48 hours

qPCR Results Fast

24–48 hours

Need results sooner? Just ask for rush processing when you submit your sample.

Our Tests

Three powerful diagnostic tools

Each test provides a different lens into your biological system, from a full microbial census to targeted tracking of key organisms.

Example MCA functional-traits chart from a microbial community report
Primary Test

Microbial Community Analysis

A total microbial census of your wastewater system using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. MCA reveals both the beneficial organisms performing treatment and the problematic populations causing upsets — providing a complete picture of your biomass at the DNA level.

What you learn

  • Full species-level identification of all microorganisms
  • Relative abundance of each population
  • Good vs. bad actors identified with context
  • Actionable recommendations for your system
5–7 days standard 24–48 hrs rush
qPCR sigmoidal amplification curves with multiple colored traces
Tracking

Quantitative PCR (qPCR)

Once MCA identifies the key organisms in your system, qPCR lets you track their absolute quantities over time. This targeted approach measures specific populations with high precision — ideal for monitoring the impact of operational changes, chemical additions, or bioaugmentation programs.

What you learn

  • Absolute gene copy numbers for target organisms
  • Population trends over time (up, down, stable)
  • Track AOB, NOB, PAO, GAO, filaments, and more
  • Validate effectiveness of treatment changes
24–48 hrs standard Pairs with MCA
Phase-contrast micrograph of activated sludge floc with visible filaments
Visual

Advanced Microscopic Exam

A detailed visual assessment of your activated sludge under the microscope. Our advanced exam evaluates floc structure, size, density, and shape — and visually identifies filamentous organisms responsible for bulking and foaming. A valuable complement to molecular testing.

What you learn

  • Floc structure, size, density & shape assessment
  • Filamentous organism identification
  • Higher life-form presence (rotifers, nematodes, etc.)
  • Visual confirmation of molecular test findings
Complements MCA Visual analysis

Better Together

How the tests work together

Think of MCA as your initial diagnosis — a complete snapshot of every organism in your biomass. Once you know what's there, qPCR becomes your monitoring tool, tracking the specific populations that matter most to your operations over time. The microscopic exam adds a visual layer, confirming floc health and filament identification.

Together, these three tools give you unprecedented visibility into your biological treatment system — from the DNA level to the visual level — enabling faster troubleshooting, smarter chemical dosing, and more cost-effective operations.

"Unlike conventional laboratory tests, our Environmental Genomics™ platform allows for accurate troubleshooting — not seen with any other technology."

Sample-to-report workflow: collection tube, sequencer, and laptop dashboard
1

MCA — Baseline diagnosis

Identify all organisms present and their relative abundance. Pinpoint problem populations and beneficial organisms.

2

Take action — Operational or product changes

Adjust operations, apply bioaugmentation products, or modify chemical dosing based on MCA findings.

3

qPCR — Track response over time

Monitor key populations with fast 24–48 hr results. Confirm your changes are working and fine-tune your approach.

Getting Started

Sampling is easy

Request your free collection kit and follow three simple steps.

Labeled sample collection tubes ready for molecular testing
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1

Collect your sample

Using the supplied sterile pipet, transfer 2 milliliters of MLSS to a collection tube, shake to mix, and add a label. Our kit keeps things simple.

Courier shipping labels for next-day delivery services
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2

Ship to our lab

Drop the sample in a padded envelope and ship it to our in-house laboratory using your preferred next-day delivery service. No ice or ice chest required.

Aster Bio report showing functional-trait results over time
3

Review your report

Access your results through our online portal. MCA in 5–7 days (rush 24–48 hrs). qPCR in 24–48 hours. Reports include context and recommendations.

Difficult sample collection?

Don't let a difficult-to-collect sample slow you down. If you have low-biomass samples, we can still help. Just let us know about your unique situation.

Request Help
Request My Collection Kit

See It In Action

Test drive our dataset

Explore real sample data through our interactive viewers. See exactly what your reports will look like before you submit a sample.

Screenshot of the single-sample interactive viewer showing taxonomy breakdown

Single Sample — Detailed View

Dive deep into a single MCA report. Explore the full taxonomy breakdown, relative abundances, and organism-by-organism detail for one sample point.

View Single Sample Data
Screenshot of the multi-sample interactive viewer showing time-series population trends

Multi-Sample — Time Series

See how microbial populations shift over time across multiple sampling points. This is the view that helps operators spot trends, correlate with operational changes, and make proactive decisions.

Interact with Multi-Sample Data

Why Aster Bio

What sets our lab apart

In-house lab

All testing is performed in our own Houston laboratory — no outsourcing, no hand-offs, no delays.

Actionable reports

We don't just hand you data — reports include context, interpretation, and specific recommendations for your system.

Online data portal

Access your results online with interactive charts. Track trends across multiple samples over time.

Expert interpretation

Our Ph.D. microbiologists review every report. You don't need a biology degree to understand the results.

Simple sampling

2 mL of MLSS in a padded envelope — no ice chest, no special handling. Our collection kit makes it easy.

Diagnose + treat

Lab results feed directly into bioaugmentation product recommendations. We close the loop between diagnosis and treatment.

Ready to see what's in your biomass?

Request your free collection kit today. Our experts will guide you through the process and deliver actionable results tailored to your system.

Request a Collection Kit Call 713 724 0082