The present subject matter provides processes and kits for identifying the presence of waste water or human-derived pathogens, particularly those associated with the presence of human fecal matter, in surface or subsurface water sources.

A method includes supplying a reagent to a column, where the column is configured to purify an element from a sample matrix for isotopic analysis. The method also includes loading the column with the sample matrix, and supplying a second reagent to collect the element retained by the column. The method further includes loading the column with a second sample mixture, and collecting an element from the second sample mixture retained by the column. A column configured to separate an element from a sample matrix for isotopic analysis includes a resin configured to retain the element. The column also includes a first frit disposed of a first end of the column and a second frit disposed of a second end of the column. The column is configured to receive a first reagent in a first flow direction and a second reagent in a second flow direction different from the first flow direction.

A solid phase microextraction device is disclosed, including a substrate having at least one planar surface, a sorbent layer disposed on at least a portion of the at least one planar surface, a tapering tip extending from the substrate, a receptacle mount configured for removable attachment to an emplacement of a receiving device, and a clocking feature configured for fixing a radial orientation of the at least one planar surface with respect to the receiving device. A solid phase microextraction device repository is disclosed including a wall surrounding a chamber, a plurality of orifices disposed in the wall configured to receive and retain the device, and a plurality of clocking feature interfaces disposed in the wall. A solid phase microextraction device manipulator is disclosed, including a manipulator shaft, an emplacement configured to removably engage a receptacle mount, an electrically conductive contact disposed at the emplacement, an ejector, and a clocking feature interface.

Specially designed collection strips and their processing. By using specially designed collection strips, having a backer and one or more absorbent pads, in conjunction with a unique processing method, the processes of analyzing biological samples such as blood, or the like, may be done efficiency with the elimination of cross contamination risk. Identification of the sample stays with the sample throughout the process as it resides on the collection strip. The strip absorbs a known volume. The sample with identification is placed directly in an elution solution, without mechanically separating the sample from its identification information. Elimination of the need for mechanical separation tends to reduce cross contamination, as well as reducing sample processing time.

A thermal desorption tube for use with an electrical power source that includes a tube body having a tube middle portion, a gas inlet, and a gas outlet, a heating element having a first element end and a second element end, wherein the heating element is disposed within the tube body between the gas inlet and the gas outlet, wherein the heating element has a Temperature Coefficient of Resistance (TCR) value greater than 0.003 per degree Celsius, and wherein the first element end and the second element end are configured to electrically couple to a power source, and a sorbent material disposed within the tube middle portion, wherein the sorbent material is disposed in and occupies all available space within the tube middle portion surrounding, within, and adjacent the heating element, and wherein the sorbent material is in direct contact with the heating element.

The present subject matter provides processes and kits for identifying the presence of waste water or human-derived pathogens, particularly those associated with the presence of human fecal matter, in surface or subsurface water sources.

A plug for a container for storing liquid includes a housing and an input end at an end of the housing, the input end having a liquid-impermeable membrane that allows gas flow to pass through. A first sensor is in a first sensor chamber inside the housing, the first sensor being configured to detect a smoke taint compound. A first filter is between the input end and the first sensor, where the first filter selectively allows phenols to pass through. A second sensor is in a second sensor chamber inside the housing, the second sensor being configured to detect a second substance different from the smoke taint compound. A second filter is between the input end and the second sensor, wherein the second filter selectively allows the second substance to pass through.

A multi-channel system for classifying particles in a mixture of particles according to one or more characteristics including a common source of electromagnetic radiation for producing a beam of electromagnetic radiation and a beam splitter for producing multiple beams of electromagnetic radiation for directing multiple beams of electromagnetic radiation to each interrogation location associated with each flow channel of the multi-channel system.

A plug for a container for storing liquid includes a housing and an input end at an end of the housing, the input end having a liquid-impermeable membrane that allows gas flow to pass through. A first sensor is in a first sensor chamber inside the housing, the first sensor being configured to detect a smoke taint compound. A first filter is between the input end and the first sensor, where the first filter selectively allows phenols to pass through. A second sensor is in a second sensor chamber inside the housing, the second sensor being configured to detect a second substance different from the smoke taint compound. A second filter is between the input end and the second sensor, wherein the second filter selectively allows the second substance to pass through.

A receptacle comprises opposed members, a plurality of chambers having perimeter walls defined by seals formed between the opposed members and portals interconnecting the chambers, and a rigid frame supporting the opposed members at their peripheral edges. The frame comprises a front frame portion and a rear frame portion, and the peripheral edges of the opposed members are retained between the front and rear frame portions. An inlet port extends between the front and rear frame portions and is in fluid communication with one of the chambers.