Laboratory Services

DNA Sequencing & Genomics Services for Industrial Water Projects

Evaluating microbial community composition through targeted genomic analysis

Indirect biological indicators, bulk chemistry, or laboratory observations can suggest biological processes are present, but they rarely resolve which organisms are responsible or what functional groups exists. This uncertainty can materially affect feasibility, treatment selection, and regulatory confidence when biological treatment is being considered.

Our microbial genomics capability combines DNA sequencing results with proprietary microbial databases and biogeochemical interpretation to provide greater taxonomic resolution and insight into microbial community structure. By evaluating dominant taxa, functional indicators, and patterns of spatial or temporal variability, the analysis helps assess whether proposed biological mechanisms are supported by the observed microbial community and identifies potential constraints, uncertainties, and changes relevant to treatment performance. Common challenges we help resolve include:

Microbial communities are inferred indirectly without genetic resolution of composition or functional groups relevant to feasibility decisions.
Biological treatment or attenuation assumptions advance without evidence that relevant microbial communities are present or viable.
Spatial and temporal variability in microbial populations is not characterized at early decision points.
Regulatory discussions reference biological processes without defensible genetic or taxonomic evidence to support interpretation.
Early biological interpretations are treated as fixed despite uncertainty in microbial dynamics and environmental dependence.

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Agri-Foods & Vertical Farming Battery & EV Metals Data Infrastructure Electronics Manufacturing Food & Beverage Production Healthcare Hydrogen Development Mining, Minerals & Metals Urban Development Oil & Gas Petrochemicals Pharmaceuticals & Biotech Ports & Transportation Power Generation Pulp & Paper Resorts & Hospitality

Chemical Modelling, Microbiology, and Genomics Laboratory Services

Connecting genetic evidence to process mechanisms and operating conditions

Sampling design is structured around the biological question rather than generic community characterization. Locations, timing, operating states, and controls are selected to capture the variability needed to better understand treatment feasibility, performance, and/or process interpretation.

Sequence data are processed using documented quality controls, reference databases, classification methods, and comparative analyses. Taxonomic and functional groups are then interpreted alongside water chemistry, operating conditions, treatment performance, and biogeochemical results. This integrated interpretation distinguishes microbial presence from inferred function, highlights where additional testing is needed, and provides a defensible biological basis for technology evaluation, process design, regulatory discussions, and performance monitoring.

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service outcomes

Reduce biological uncertainty with genetic evidence

DNA sequencing converts inferred biological behavior into defined genetic evidence that can be used to test feasibility, treatment assumptions, and regulatory interpretation early.

Resolve community composition

Identify dominant and minor microbial taxa influencing system behavior so biological assumptions are grounded in observed community structure.

Assess functional potential

Evaluate genomic data to infer key metabolic or transformation pathways to test whether assumed biological processes are plausible.

Bound biological variability

Examine spatial or temporal variation in microbial populations to understand confidence limits around early interpretations.

Test evidence relevance

Clarify how sequencing results relate to specific decision questions rather than treating genetic data as generic proof of activity.

integrated expertise

Aligning genomic insights across multidisciplinary teams

Genomic analysis establishes a shared biological reference by clearly documenting sequencing methods, resolution, assumptions, and interpretation limits. Our work enables teams to use genetic evidence consistently rather than drawing independent or conflicting conclusions about biological capability. This shared basis supports coordinated use of genomic information as responsibility moves between laboratory analysis, treatment evaluation, and regulatory discussion.

Sequencing outputs are contextualized alongside chemical and process data so genetic signals are interpreted within realistic system conditions.

Defined microbial capability informs screening of biological treatment concepts by clarifying whether required organisms or functions are plausibly present.

Documented genetic evidence supports defensible regulatory discussion by explaining how biological assumptions are supported and where limits remain.

sustained performance

Preserving microbial interpretive clarity as conditions evolve

Microbial communities are dynamic, and the interpretation of genetic data can change as environmental conditions evolve. our mobile laboratory outputs define analytical methods, calibration, conditions, and observed context on-site, in near real-time, so results remain quickly accessible and interpretable during operations.

Combined with our baseline analysis, our outputs support project continuity by allowing future teams to compare, revisit, or supplement field evidence without treating short-term observations as fixed conclusions or losing their situational relevance as projects progress.

Site Monitoring Water Facility Operations Water Systems Upgrading

gbbr performance assessment and technology readiness evaluation

Mining Water Infrastructure Development and Equipment

In Situ Ammonia Treatment Feasibility Evaluation and Barrel Trails

Mine Constructed Wetland Treatment System Pilot Testing and Expert Panel Review

Mine Water Treatment Plant Permit Application Amendment Engineering Support

Pit Lake Treatment Bench Trials and Technology Readiness Assessment

Thermal Heavy Oil Facility Water Process Optimization

Nitrate and Selenium Treatment Performance Review for Gravel Bed Bioreactor (GBBR) Retrofit

Integrated Sustainability assessed conversion of existing biochemical reactor basins to gravel bed bioreactors for nitrate and selenium treatment, including performance modelling and technology readiness evaluation.

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Canada’s 1st Commercial-Scale moving bed bioreactor (MBBR) Treating Selenium and Nitrate at 520 gpm

Integrated Sustainability delivered Canada’s first commercial-scale moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) system for selenium and nitrate removal from mine effluent. Full-service design, equipment supply, and field engineering supported a 520 gpm facility.

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Laboratory Trials Validating In Situ Ammonia Assimilation in Tailings Pond

Integrated Sustainability evaluated in situ ammonia treatment for mine tailings through feasibility assessment and barrel-scale testing, refining dosing, treatment timeframes, and geochemical effects for scale-up.

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Design, Construction and Operation of Passive Water Treatment System

Integrated Sustainability designed and operated a year-long constructed wetland treatment pilot, validating performance under updated site conditions and supporting regulatory review ahead of demonstration-scale deployment.

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High Density Sludge and Biological Treatment Design for Metals and Nitrogen Control Permitting

Integrated Sustainability completed conceptual design of a mine water treatment plant for a Joint Permit Amendment Application, integrating metals removal, biological nitrogen treatment, and existing nanofiltration.

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Biogeochemical Treatment Trials for Molybdenum and Uranium in Pit Lakes

Integrated Sustainability evaluated in situ biogeochemical treatment for molybdenum and uranium in pit lakes, advancing technology readiness through bench-scale trials and generating design inputs for field-scale implementation.

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20+ Modular H₂S Scavenger Packages Design and Delivered to US & Canadian Clients

Integrated Sustainability has designed/built over 20 H2S scavenging skids, including 2 of the largest H2S scavenging skid packages in Alberta with each skid having the capacity to treat up to 10,000 ppm of total sulfur content.

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Water Treatment Optimization for Steam Generation at a Thermal Heavy Oil Facility

Integrated Sustainability optimized water treatment for a thermal heavy oil steam generation facility, providing ongoing technical support for startup, water quality, and system performance.

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Direct comparison requires consistent sampling, preservation, extraction, primer or library preparation, sequencing depth, reference databases, and bioinformatic processing. Even with harmonized methods, differences in chemistry, substrates, hydrology, and operating conditions limit functional inference, so site-specific confirmation is generally required.

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Not by itself. DNA sequencing shows that genetic material was detected, but it may originate from active, dormant, dead, or extracellular sources. Activity should be evaluated using process chemistry and rate measurements, supplemented where appropriate by RNA-based methods, expression assays, proteins, enzymes, respiration, or viability-focused techniques.

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No. Amplicon sequencing characterizes community composition, shotgun metagenomics assesses functional potential, and targeted qPCR quantifies selected genes. These methods do not independently demonstrate pathway activity, reaction rates, or causation and should be integrated with chemical, process, and other biological measurements.

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Yes, when the sampling design, chain of custody, controls, QA/QC, sequencing and bioinformatic methods, database versions, detection criteria, statistical analysis, and interpretation limits are documented. Genomic evidence is generally strongest when linked to observed chemistry, treatment performance, or other functional evidence.

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Either solid samples, such as bioreactor media, or water samples, can be used for DNA sequencing and subsequent biogeochemical and microbial interpretation.

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DNA sequencing is most useful when microbial community composition or functional potential could affect treatment feasibility, diagnosis, optimization, or regulatory interpretation. The sequencing method must be selected for the specific question, such as community profiling, detection of targeted genes, or broader assessment of functional potential.

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Combine deep technical expertise with execution and operational experience

Complex and high-consequence industrial projects require a practical mindset to enable agile development and positive environmental outcomes.

Our vertically integrated water services platform combines science, engineering, equipment fabrication, and operations to provide fit-for-purpose assets that drive accountability and performance.

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