Accredited Wastewater & Sewage Sludge Analysis
Discharging wastewater to water bodies or to land requires a water law permit that specifies permissible wastewater parameters and the obligation for regular monitoring. Operators of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants, production facilities with their own treatment systems, and entities discharging stormwater are required to document wastewater quality with results from an accredited laboratory. OIKOS performs analyses under PCA accreditation No. AB 934 (PN-EN ISO/IEC 17025), with results accepted by WIOŚ, RZGW and other authorities in water law proceedings.
Why OIKOS for Wastewater Testing
Five reasons our wastewater and sewage sludge testing stands out — full coverage from one accredited partner:
- Full wastewater category coverage — industrial, municipal, domestic, stormwater — one accredited partner
- Sewage sludge testing using reference methods on representative samples of municipal sewage sludge — essential for wastewater treatment plants
- AB 934 (PN-EN ISO/IEC 17025) accreditation — results accepted by WIOŚ, RZGW and other authorities in water law proceedings
- Results for legally regulated areas — parameter scope tailored to the conditions of your water law permit
- 35 years of experience serving wastewater treatment plants, industrial facilities and local governments
All Wastewater Categories — Plus Sewage Sludge
OIKOS carries out accredited physicochemical and biological analyses of all wastewater categories: industrial (from technological processes), municipal (from sewerage systems), domestic (from buildings, campuses, facilities) and rainwater and meltwater. The parameter scope is tailored to water law permit requirements or to the conditions of the wastewater discharge agreement.
For municipal wastewater treatment plants, we carry out sewage sludge testing using reference methods on representative samples — to the extent required by municipal sewage sludge regulations. Results are issued as an accredited test report, ready for regulatory reporting.
Operating since 1988, OIKOS has been carrying out wastewater and sewage sludge testing for over 35 years for municipal and industrial treatment plants, production facilities and local governments. Over 1,000 clients with two thirds returning regularly. Part of the European viridiusLAB AG network.
Methods & Instruments
Methods
Physicochemical analysis of wastewater and sludge: IC, HPLC-UV, MP-AES, UV-VIS spectrophotometry, gravimetry, BOD5, COD, total suspended solids.
Instruments
Chromatographs, MP-AES, spectrophotometer, oximeter, drying oven, muffle furnace, automated BOD analyser.
Reference documents
PN-EN ISO 5667-10 (wastewater sampling); MMME regulation on wastewater; PN-ISO 6060 (COD); PN-EN 1899 (BOD).
FAQ
Wastewater Testing Questions
What parameters are required in industrial wastewater discharge permits?
Parameters specified in industrial wastewater discharge permits typically include: BOD5, COD, total suspended solids, pH, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and industry-specific parameters (heavy metals, mineral oils, specific organic compounds). The exact scope arises from the conditions of your specific permit — please share it with us so we can prepare a tailored quote.
How is sewage sludge testing used?
Sewage sludge testing is required from municipal wastewater treatment plants to characterise sludge properties before disposal (agricultural use, composting, landfilling). Regulations specify permissible heavy metal content and pathogen levels in sludge applied to land. OIKOS carries out physicochemical sludge testing using reference methods on representative samples, in accordance with legal requirements.
How often must wastewater be tested?
The frequency of wastewater testing is defined by the water law permit or by the wastewater reception agreement. For industrial plants it is typically monthly or quarterly. For municipal wastewater treatment plants it is regulated by ordinance depending on capacity. Contact us with a copy of your permit — we will help establish the appropriate testing schedule.