What is the purpose of "seeding" in wastewater testing?

The purpose of "seeding" in wastewater testing is to introduce additional bacteria that are essential for various biological processes, particularly for the breakdown of organic matter. This practice enhances the microbial population in the sample, which is crucial for tests that measure the efficiency of biological treatment methods, such as biochemistry or other analyses intended to evaluate the activity of bacteria in decomposing pollutants. The presence of these additional bacteria allows for a more accurate assessment of the wastewater's treatment capabilities and the effectiveness of the processes being employed.

Seeding is vital because it ensures that the sample contains a sufficient number of microorganisms that can demonstrate the treatment's biological performance. This could involve the addition of activated sludge or specific strains of bacteria tailored to the contaminants present in the sample.