BBC LABORATORIES
Agricultural & Environmental Microbiological Services

Introduction

A sampling kit for the microbiological analysis of compost tea samples is available upon request to ensure that microorganisms are kept viable and that sample contamination is avoided. The kit includes the shipping container, gel ice, sterile sample bottles, sample labels, Chain of Custody forms and instructions for sampling.

It is important to prevent samples from warming. Samples should be placed in the shipping container with frozen gel ice immediately after sample collection and labeling. For optimal compost tea analysis, take the samples on Monday through Thursday, keep samples cold (not frozen) and ship samples the same day that they are taken for next day delivery to the laboratory. If delays occur, store samples in the refrigerator until shipping.

Sampling Procedure

1. When the kit arrives, remove the gel ice and freeze overnight for use the next day.
2. Sterile sample bottles are provided for compost tea collection.
3. Collect the compost tea sample into the sterile sample bottle either through a sample port provided on the main vessel or by wearing gloves and dipping the bottle 8-12 inches below the surface for filling. It is important to leave an airspace in the sample bottle, so do not completely fill the container (3/4 full is best).
4. Label samples and place sample in cooler (shipping container) with frozen gel ice.
5. Enclose the completed Chain of Custody form in a plastic bag. Determine analysis needs and check appropriate boxes (see following selections):
   • -6 Functional Group Enumeration and Species Richness Diversity analysis
   • -Compost Maturity
   • -Compost Stability
   • -Pathogen Inhibiton Assays (Indicate pathogens to be challenged)
   • -Pathogen Testing (E. coli and Salmonella, Fecal coliforms, Total coliforms)
6. SHIP CONTAINER ON MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY FOR NEXT DAY DELIVERY TO:
   • SAMPLE RECEIVING
   • BBC LABORATORIES
   • 1217 NORTH STADEM DRIVE
   • TEMPE, AZ 85281