REGISTRATION LINK: "Introduction to Microscopic Examination of Wastewater for Operators
Microscopic examination of wastewater is an excellent tool for identifying a wastewater treatment process’ “health and condition”. Frequent microscopic examinations can provide valuable information about the condition of the microorganisms in the various phases of the treatment process and allow the operator to identify changes that may cause a plant upset or permit violations. Often, changes to the microbial conditions can be observed much earlier than physiochemical changes can be detected in the laboratory or visually in the field. Every wastewater treatment facility has its own unique set of challenges, but the basic principles of phase contrast microscopy do not change. A trained professional is capable of identifying what is going on in a system within a few minutes.
In this one day “Introduction to Microscopic Examination of Wastewater” workshop Victor Santa Cruz will share his extensive knowledge and experience as a Microbiologist in wastewater. He will explain the principles and techniques successfully utilized in microscopy and how to utilize this information to assess your wastewater treatment process. We project to a screen microscope slights of various wastewater samples demonstrating common microbes and filaments found in small wastewater treatment plants and lagoons. This workshop is designed for wastewater technicians and operators as well as laboratory personnel.
In this class Victor will:
Explain the essential functions of the microscope as well as its parts, maintenance, set up, operation, and troubleshooting.
Explain microbiological staining techniques
Discuss protozoans (ciliates, flagellates, and amoebas) and Metazoans (rotifers, water bears, Annelids, and Nematodes)
Identify Norcadioforms, Microthrix parvicella, and other filamentous organisms as well as their impact on wastewater operations and control measures for their mitigation.
Explain floc structure and its overall effects on solids separation problems and foaming
Discuss alkalinity and volatile acids and how these chemical parameters affect wastewater biology and vice versa.
Explain the basics of nitrification / denitrification and introduces the principles of the biological degradation of nitrogenous components present in wastewater.
To assure the greatest benefits from this class we would like to ask you to bring your own wastewater treatment facility sample(s) to the class. This will allow students to examine and discuss “real world” samples from other WWTPs. Be advised that proper protective containers and labeling of hazardous wastewater materials are a must. Bringing your own microscope is encouraged, but not necessary.
We also encourage you to share your questions with us prior to the class so Victor can be prepared and make sure to address your issues. Please send your questions to: info@pro-train.org.
Presenter: Victor Santa Cruz with the Professional Training Association (https://www.pro-train.org/)
Who might want to attend: wastewater professionals interested in using a microscope for lab work and want to know how to use that lab acquired knowledge.
When: April 21, 2026, 8 AM to 4 PM MST
Where: City of Meridian Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility, 3401 N Ten Mile Road, Meridian, ID 83646
Lunch: Provided to registrants
CEUs: 0.7 units - meets relevance requirements for wastewater
Cost: SWIOS members free (https://www.swios.org/membership), Non-members $75
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REGISTRATION LINK: "Introduction to Microscopic Examination of Wastewater for Operators
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Contact: info@pro-train.org or (360) 490-2426 for more information about the class
About the instructor Victor Santa Cruz: Victor Santa Cruz is a microbiologist and experienced professional in the field of wastewater treatment and analysis, with a particular focus on the microscopic examination of wastewater. Victor Santa Cruz actively promotes the use of microscopy to enhance understanding and efficiency in wastewater treatment. Victor Santa Cruz has a Bachelor of Science from California State Polytechnic University and over 25 years experience as a Laboratory Technician and Biologist in wastewater laboratories. At the beginning of 2021 and after over 25 years of employment, Victor retired from Inland Empire Utilities Agency in Ontario, CA. In addition to his laboratory experience in wastewater treatment operations, Victor has created a “Wastewater Organism Database”, employing high quality photomicrographs, videos, and narration to explain biological, ecological, morphological, and operational information related to wastewater organisms and treatment.