A novel training course of the PMEU enrichment and the microscopy of enriched samples in March, 2010.

The microbiological microscopy courses by FINN-FIBER Ltd. have been very popular ones over years. Participants of this annual course learn the basics of light and UV epifluorescence microscopy, isolate microbes from the samples and document the results with digital microphotography into the form of PowerPoint reports.

A novel course, containing PMEU enrichments in the beginning of this 3-day course, is under planning on these days. Four teachers - every one is a specialist on her/his area of microbiology - will combine their efforts to cover a wide range of bacteria and moulds as the subjects of the enrichments, isolations and microscopic examinations.

The course will be held in Jyväskylä, Central Finland, in March 2010. More information follows soon.

Rapid Microbiological Control of Paper Machines with PMEU Method

E.Hakalehto. Department of Biosciences, University of Kuopio, P.O.B. 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland, and Finnoflag Oy and Samplion Oy, Siilinjärvi, Finland (elias.hakalehto@pp.inet.fi)
L. Heitto. Environmental Research of Savo-Karjala Oy, FI-70150, Finland
J.V.Mentu. Samplion Oy, Siilinjärvi, Finland
H.Keitel. KK-Net Ky, FI-07900 Loviisa, Finland


PMEU incubations can be applied to rapid simulations of microbial growth in process waters and on the surfaces of test coupons as well as to testing of biocides against both waterborne and biofilm microorganisms. Relative efficiencies of alternative biocides can be tested with PMEU in original process samples during one working day. Recovery of the microbial population, treated with fast-acting biocides, can be detected after an incubation period of 24 hours.

When ATP Assay is included as a rapid measurement of microbial activity during the PMEU test periods, a fast, compact and realistic test procedure is ready to use for microbiological control of paper machine processes, without any need for microbiological laboratory facilities. Observation of biofilm production and detection of hazardous microbes can also be performed whenever additional analyses (Epifluorescence microscopy for biofilm testing, confirmation tests for hazardous microbes) are available.

- Published in "Paperi ja Puu" Paper and Pulp Magazine, Finland, Nov. 2009.