Q. Why is Average Influent Flow Over Sample Period (MGD) required when logging a sample?
Biobot requires influent flow information in order to report estimates in milligrams of consumed substance per 1,000 people. Accounting for the influent flow on the day of sample collection allows us to account for the dilution of each substance in wastewater.
Q. What type of flow data will I need to provide?
Flow data can be collected in a variety of ways, and from multiple possible locations. Ultimately, we are looking for a flow value that is representative of the time over which your sample was collected. The totalized flow value can be recorded or calculated from either automatic or manual readings from an influent flow meter. In the event that your facility does not have the capability to gather an influent flow value, the totalized flow from an effluent flow meter could be used. Please reach out to our team at support@biobot.io to discuss your specific scenario if you plan to collect flow from a location other than the influent.
Q. What happens if I get my flow data after I submit my sample log?
If you receive your flow data on a delay or expect to have a delay in your flow data, please submit your sampling log at the time of sample collection and reach out to your Biobot contact or support@biobot.io and let them know proactively of the delay. Once you receive the flow, please also then update your appropriate Biobot contact and we will update it in our system.
Q. Why is catchment area population information important?
We need population estimates to normalize our concentration data to mg/1,000 people.
Q. Can I refrigerate my high risk substance samples between when I collect and when packages are picked up?
You can, but for our high risk substance analysis, refrigerating the sample (even at 4C) will degrade the analytes, especially cocaine and its metabolite, benzoylecgonine. There may be a reduction in confidence for the absolute values of the sample.
If this is of concern to you, we would recommend that you skip a sample that would require refrigeration and collect on the following day. If you have any questions about this, please reach out to support@biobot.io